Grenade launcher goes off at exhibition in Chernihiv: 4 children injured
IRYNA BALACHUK – SATURDAY, 3 SEPTEMBER 2022, 17:30
A weapon went off at the exhibition in the historical part of Chernihiv on the afternoon of 3 September. 4 children were injured in the explosion.
Source: Viacheslav Chaus, Head of Chernihiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram; Chernihiv City Council on Facebook; Suspilne [Ukraine’s public broadcaster], reporting from the scene; Office of the Prosecutor General
Quote from Chaus: "I can't help but react to the tragedy that happened today in the historic centre of the city. At the event, which included an interactive activity for children, for some reason, there was also an exhibition with live weapons, which went off. Three children were injured."
Details: According to Chaus, a 2-year-old boy is among the victims; he is in serious condition.
Later, the Prosecutor General's Office reported that 4 children aged 2 to 12 were injured as a result of the detonation of the ammunition. Currently, the victims are in the hospital with injuries of various degrees of severity.
Chaus promised that the responsible individuals would be prosecuted.
According to the Chernihiv City Council, the emergency occurred near the regional art museum named after Hryhorii Halahan, on Valu [Street]. The explosion occurred at about 13:30.
Quote from Chernihiv City Council: "During the event, where an exhibition of ammunition was presented, one piece of ammunition detonated; early reports say it was an anti-tank projectile that hit the roof of one of the private houses – a new building – in this neighbourhood."
Details: The city council emphasised that the authorities did not issue any official permits for this event, nor did they receive any notifications about it.
Three minors and two adults are among the injured.
According to Suspilne, a 10-year-old boy was holding a rocket propelled grenade and pulled the trigger, causing the weapon to fire. The boy was stunned; now, he, his mother and 12-year-old brother are in the trauma centre, being examined by doctors. Another child is in the intensive care unit.
The Office of the Prosecutor’s General reported that an investigation was initiated upon the detonation of the ammunition pursuant to Part 2 of Article 414 (mishandling weapons) of the Criminal Code.
Currently, law enforcers are inspecting the scene, interviewing witnesses, and recovering weapons and ammunition. The State Bureau of Investigations of Ukraine is conducting the pre-trial investigation.
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