A mysterious blast rocked the fields of Khara Madhana village in Samba district on Monday evening, leaving three local residents injured, two of them seriously. The incident occurred around 8:15 pm when some farmers were burning crop residue, a common practice after the harvest season.
The explosion left 66-year-old Rameet Singh, 76-year-old Simro Devi, and 58-year-old Suriya Bibi with injuries. All three victims belong to Khara Madhana village and were immediately rushed to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Jammu for treatment.
Initial police investigations point to the possible detonation of a rusted mortar shell lying undetected in the fields. As the farmers set fire to the crop residue, the aged explosive device may have been triggered, causing the blast.
Forensic experts and police teams have recovered a piece of the suspected rusted mortar shell from the site to ascertain the exact cause. However, officials await a detailed analysis before confirming the nature of the explosive.
Samba district has remained prone to incidents involving abandoned explosives and mortar shells, particularly near areas that witnessed intense cross-border skirmishes in the past. The latest explosion has raised concerns about the potential risks posed by such remnants of conflict in agricultural fields frequented by farmers.
Local authorities have cautioned residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects immediately to prevent such untoward incidents in the future. A comprehensive sanitization drive may also be considered to clear the area of any lingering explosive hazards. The two critically injured villagers are under medical supervision, while an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the blast is currently underway. Further details are awaited from the police and district administration.
