As his family prepared to celebrate their son’s wedding, Mr. Koi from Ban Hinlat in Xanasomboun district, Lao PDR, set out to clear space around his home for a cooking area. What began as routine preparations quickly turned into a potentially deadly discovery.
While working the ground, he noticed a piece of metal buried in the soil. At first, he assumed it was scrap that could be sold. Together with a scrap collector, he tried to pry it loose using a wooden stick. But as they dug deeper, they uncovered what appeared to be the tail of a bomb, and immediately stopped.
Fortunately, Mr. Koi had recently attended an Explosive Ordnance Risk Education session delivered by a Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) team in the village. Recognising the danger, he reported the suspicious item without delay.
An NPA team was quickly deployed to the site and confirmed that the object was a 100 lb incendiary bomb. The device was unstable and leaking, with highly toxic contents that could ignite on contact with air and release dangerous fumes.
This incident is a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Lao PDR, and the critical importance of educating communities to recognise danger and respond safely.
NPA extends its sincere thanks to the Government of the United States, through the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane, for supporting UXO survey, clearance, and risk education activities in Lao PDR. This support is vital in saving lives and making communities safer.
