Vienna, Austria – Austrian police reported that five children, aged between 10 and 14, were injured in an explosion caused by unexploded ordnance buried under a campfire they had lit during a camping trip in northern Austria.
The incident occurred in the village of St.
Ausfeld bei Freistadt in Upper Austria, an area known for its organized youth camping scene.
According to authorities, the explosion happened suddenly while the children were sitting around the fire,
resulting in injuries of varying severity that required hospitalization.
Details of the accident and the children’s injuries
Police explained that the children were part of a group that had traveled from another area
within the same state, and that the incident occurred during a routine group activity.
Authorities did not disclose the exact nature of the injuries, but indicated they ranged from moderate to serious.
The injured were quickly treated by emergency teams, while authorities launched
an investigation to determine how the explosive device came to be at a frequently used camping site.
Another explosive device was found at the site.
Following the explosion, police searched the surrounding area, where they discovered
a nearby crater containing another object suspected to be unexploded ordnance.
A bomb disposal unit was immediately called in and carefully handled the object,
safely dismantling it and preventing a further explosion that could have posed a greater risk to those present.
Ongoing dangers from the remnants of old wars
This incident highlights the ongoing dangers posed by remnants of past wars in some parts of Europe, decades after the conflicts ended.
While Austria authorities are continuously working to clear these areas and remove any hazardous materials,
such incidents demonstrate that the risk persists, particularly in open spaces frequented by civilians and youth activities.
