1 killed, 24 injured in unexploded ordnance blast near Israel-Lebanon border: Medics

An Israeli was killed and 24 others were injured Monday after suspected unexploded ordnance detonated near Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, with the Israeli army claiming a preliminary investigation indicated it was a Hezbollah cluster munition. Israeli police said the blast killed a 15-year-old teenager and injured about 24 others, including people in serious and moderate condition. A preliminary investigation by security officials at the scene found that one of the students had discovered an object believed to be unexploded ordnance and placed it in a bag before it later detonated near the road, police said. The Israeli army, meanwhile, claimed its initial investigation indicated that “the explosion was likely caused by an unexploded cluster munition belonging to Hezbollah.” It said the incident remained under investigation and that troops were continuing searches and operations in the area. The daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported that one of the hikers injured in the blast during an annual school trip had died, citing the MDA emergency service. Earlier, the agency said one person was in critical condition and two others were seriously injured. The blast occurred in the Ramim Ridge area along the Lebanon border and involved an organized hiking group from a middle school, according to the newspaper. “Unfortunately there is unexploded ordnance, apparently someone accidentally touched an explosive device,” the father of one of the injured was quoted as saying. Magen David Adom said two of the injured were in serious condition, 10 sustained moderate injuries and 12 were lightly wounded and taken to hospitals. The Times of Israel news portal earlier said the blast was believed to have been caused by “unexploded ordnance,” though authorities were still investigating the exact cause. Israeli Police Commissioner Danny Levy said during a visit to the scene that, in coordination with the army, authorities would reduce similar trips in the coming days, according to Army Radio. Israel has continued attacks on Lebanon since March 2, killing 4,386 people and injuring 12,413 others as of Sept. 25, according to official Lebanese figures. On June 26, Lebanon and Israel signed a US-sponsored framework agreement providing for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and the deployment of the Lebanese army. Despite the agreement, Israel has continued attacks in southern Lebanon and occupied areas there.