A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded Friday afternoon in the Airfield Zone 2 Community of Sanniquellie, when a 9-year-old boy, identified as Darling Boy Tokpah, was killed by the explosion of an object suspected to be a hand grenade.
The explosion occurred around 1:55 PM, according to eyewitness accounts and police confirmation. The young boy was reportedly playing when he brought home what appeared to be a strange object, unknowingly carrying what would become a deadly device into his family home.
His father, Prince S. Tokpah, told local reporters that the blast did not only gravely injure his son but also ripped through parts of their home, leaving behind a scene of destruction. Darling Boy was initially rushed to G.W. Harley Hospital for emergency treatment. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was referred to JFK Medical Center in Monrovia but sadly died en route, just near Kitoma Town, still within Nimba County.
Police investigators, led by Inspector Josiah Teld, arrived shortly after the incident to begin examining the scene. They reported finding metal fragments believed to be remnants of the explosive device, as well as heavy blood stains throughout the home. The damage to the house was described as “extensive.”
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the source of the explosive and how it ended up in a residential community. The situation has sent shockwaves through the neighborhood, with residents expressing fear and calling for greater safety measures and awareness around leftover war munitions believed to still be hidden in various parts of the country.
As Nimba County mourns the loss of a young life, many are urging the government to intensify demining and awareness efforts, especially in former conflict zones where unexploded ordnances may still lurk, posing an ongoing threat to children and families.
This is a developing story. More details to follow.
Source: Spoon TV
