Teen killed, 2 injured as unexploded shell detonates in Madhya Pradesh army firing range

A 17-year-old boy was killed, and two others sustained severe injuries after an old unexploded shell detonated at the Hirapur Army Firing Range near Jaitpur village in Datia district on Friday morning. The incident occurred around 9 AM when the victims were collecting scrap metal in the restricted area.

The deceased has been identified as Gangaram, while the injured are Ramu (23) and Manoj (16). According to police, the three had entered the firing range, where they discovered an unexploded shell. While attempting to open it, the device exploded, killing Gangaram on the spot and critically injuring the other two. Local residents informed authorities, and the injured were initially taken to a nearby hospital before being referred to Jhansi Medical College for further treatment.

Additional Superintendent of Police Sunil Shivhare stated that the Jaitpur village firing range is regularly used for military training, and unexploded shells are sometimes left behind. “This morning, some young men trespassed into the range and tampered with one such shell, resulting in the explosion. Unfortunately, a teenager lost his life, and two others are critically injured,” he said.

The area falls under the jurisdiction of Basai police station, approximately 80 km from Datia city. Police officials noted that people from nearby villages often enter the range to collect scrap metal, as used ammunition contains valuable materials like copper. Authorities have repeatedly warned against this practice due to the risks posed by unexploded ordnance.

Following the incident, police launched an investigation and urged locals to avoid restricted military areas to prevent similar accidents. Security measures at the firing range are in place, but unauthorized entry continues to pose safety risks.