Home made explosive targeted for fish injures man on Guadalcanal

A Solomon Islands man in his fifties is in a critical condition at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara after a homemade explosive device exploded prematurely on yesterday morning.

The accident happened about 7:15 am at a creek between Bonege and Kakabona in west Guadalcanal. The explosion was heard in areas as far away as White River and Lengakiki. Initial investigations led police to believe the man was using the explosives to catch fish.

He has received shocking injuries to his face and body and has had an arm blown off. Police from Guadalcanal Province are investigating the incident.

Meanwhile, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team Senior Sergeant Rex Waiwori said these types of accidents can be avoided.

“Explosives are very dangerous, especially homemade explosives. This sort of accident can be avoided; we have issued many warnings about the dangers of handling explosives. When explosives are used to catch fish, it causes a huge amount of damage to all forms of marine life. Again I appeal to the public to avoid touching or handling explosives. The World War Two amunitions are very old and very dangerous” he said.

Source: SIPF