Man Seriously Injured After Mistaking Bomb for Scrap Metal

Picture courtesy of SiamNews.

A man searching for bamboo shoots was critically injured after unknowingly bringing home a live explosive, which detonated while he attempted to dismantle it. A neighbour was also seriously hurt in the blast.

The incident occurred at a residence in Moo 6, Tha Sala Subdistrict, Mueang District, Lopburi Province. Police were alerted to an explosion at house number 36 and emergency rescue teams were dispatched to assist the injured.

Upon arrival, authorities found two people in severe pain with extensive injuries. Due to the presence of several other explosive devices in close proximity to the victims, rescue efforts were carried out with extreme caution.

The injured were identified as Mr Wuttichai, 29 who suffered the most severe injuries, with his left leg completely severed and his right leg heavily damaged and Mrs Noi, 55, a neighbour who was hit by shrapnel in the leg.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the device was believed to be an M79 grenade. Several similar explosives were found nearby, prompting police to cordon off the area to prevent further harm. A bomb disposal unit was called in to secure and safely remove the remaining ordnance.

Mr Thanarak Thathong 36, a relative of the injured man, told reporters that Mr Wuttichai had returned home from foraging for bamboo shoots but had not found any. Instead, he said he had brought back “some old scrap”. Moments later, a loud explosion rocked the area.

Rushing to the scene, Mr Thanarak found Mr Wuttichai lying in a pool of blood, crying out for help, with Mrs Noi also seriously injured nearby. It is believed Mr Wuttichai had attempted to dismantle the grenade in order to sell it as scrap, unaware of its deadly nature.

Police and explosive ordnance disposal personnel are continuing to investigate the area for further threats and are urging the public to report any suspicious objects immediately.

  Adapted by Asean Now from SiamNews 2025-08-05