Two toddlers killed in old grenade blast in Cambodia

Tragedy in Rural Cambodia: The Devastating Consequences of Unexploded Ordnance

In a heartbreaking incident, two young cousins, aged just two years old, lost their lives in a tragic accident involving an old rocket-propelled grenade in rural northwestern Cambodia. The explosion occurred on Saturday, February 22, near their homes in Svay Leu district, Siem Reap province. The grenade, believed to be over 25 years old, detonated as the children played near their homes. This senseless tragedy highlights the enduring dangers of unexploded ordnance (UXO), a lingering legacy of Cambodia’s tumultuous past.

A Grim Legacy of Conflict
The village of Kranhuong, where the accident took place, lies in an area that saw heavy fighting during the 1980s and 1990s. At the time, government forces clashed with the Khmer Rouge, a communist guerrilla group that had been ousted from power in 1979 after its brutal regime caused the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million people. Decades later, the remnants of that conflict continue to threaten the lives of innocent civilians, particularly children. The rocket-propelled grenade responsible for this tragedy is a grim reminder of the long-lasting impact of war on communities.

The Victims: Two Young Lives Lost
The victims of this tragic incident were Muo Lisa and her cousin, Thum Yen, both just two years old. The cousins lived in neighboring homes in the remote village of Kranhuong, a close-knit community where everyone knows each other. On the day of the accident, their parents were busy with farm work, leaving the toddlers to play near their homes. It was during this time that the children stumbled upon the unexploded ordnance, which detonated, taking their young lives in an instant.

Experts from the Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) later confirmed that the deadly device was a rocket-propelled grenade, likely left behind during the decades of fighting in the area. The organization, which specializes in identifying and safely disposing of UXO, warned that old explosives like this one are particularly dangerous because their components become volatile over time, making them prone to accidental detonation.

A Community Left Grieving
The tragedy has left the small village of Kranhuong in shock and mourning. The parents of Muo Lisa and Thum Yen, who were working in the fields at the time of the explosion, are devastated by the loss of their children. According to CMAC Director-General Heng Ratana, the families had recently settled on land that was once a battlefield. Like many rural Cambodians, they were unaware of the hidden dangers buried beneath the soil.

The Ongoing Threat of Unexploded Ordnance
While Cambodia has made significant progress in clearing landmines and UXO in recent years, the problem remains a pressing issue, particularly in rural areas. Many families, desperate for land to farm and live on, unknowingly settle in areas contaminated with explosive remnants of war. These devices, hidden beneath the earth for decades, pose a constant threat to children, farmers, and livestock.

A Call to Action: Preventing Future Tragedies
The loss of Muo Lisa and Thum Yen serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for increased awareness and action to address the issue of UXO in Cambodia. Organizations like CMAC play a critical role in educating communities about the dangers of unexploded ordnance and working to clear contaminated areas. However, the scale of the problem requires continued international support and resources to ensure that no more lives are lost to these deadly remnants of war.

Conclusion: A Tragedy That Should Never Have Happened
The deaths of Muo Lisa and Thum Yen are a heartbreaking reminder of the long shadow cast by Cambodia’s violent past. While the country has made significant strides in rebuilding and healing, the presence of UXO continues to threaten the lives of its people, particularly its children. As Cambodia moves forward, it is imperative that efforts to address this issue are prioritized, ensuring that no more families suffer the same devastating loss.