Mushroom forager killed in explosion after picking up MLRS warhead

A resident of the Orikhiv district, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, was killed after picking up part of a rocket used in multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS). The fragment, which he found while foraging for mushrooms, exploded in his hands. Source: Ukraine's National Police in Zaporizhzhia Oblast

Quote from the police: "Mushroom foraging ended tragically for the 52-year-old resident of Nesterianka, a settlement located in the 'grey zone'. He decided to add to his bag of mushrooms an MLRS warhead he found in the grass. As expected, the warhead detonated, causing injuries that were incompatible with the man's life."

Details: The man's friend witnessed the tragedy and called the police.

Photo: Ukraine's National Police

The police reported that there were cluster munitions and other explosive devices in the grass at the site of the incident, which is why it took police officers a while to reach the men.

Explosives experts were summoned first to clear the area. The man's body was then taken away.

Photo: Ukraine's National Police

The police are urging Ukrainians to avoid going to forests, fields, parks, roadsides, destroyed buildings and bridges on territories which have recently seen or are currently seeing hostilities.

Photo: Ukraine's National Police

The police are also asking citizens to avoid approaching, touching, or moving suspicious objects. Instead, in such situations citizens should immediately call the police or the State Emergency Service at 102 or 101.

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