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11-year-old loses fingers in tear gas canister explosion
30 January 2024, 2:23 pm
By Otim Moses Arapmoi
An eleven-year-old boy, whose name has been concealed because he is a minor on Sunday morning lost his fingers when a tear gas canister exploded in his arm while playing with the explosive in Hilltop Cell, Pandwong Division, Kitgum Municipality.
According to sources, the minor, in the company of his colleagues found a tear gas canister and began playing with it before it exploded in his hand and shattered his fingers and inflicting multiple injuries to other body parts.
Mr. Alex Okot, the Hilltop Cell Defense Secretary said the unfortunate incident happen at approximately 7AM on Sunday 28th January 2024.
He said after receiving information, he immediately informed the Resident District Commoner and the police who promptly responded to the scene and retrieved the samples of the explosive.
Ms. Lucy Alobo, an eyewitness and a landlady where the incident happened said it was the first time such a device had been discovered or caused harm in the area and urged security personnel to be cautious while handling their equipment for the safety of locals.
ASP Peter Oyesigye the Kitgum District Police Commander (DPC) confirmed the incident and that they have launched investigations.
The victim is currently receiving treatment at Kitgum General Hospital.