KPL
(KPL) On October 7, 2024, Phonechanh Khampanya, head of the Huaphan provincial UXO clearance project, led a team to inspect a site where local residents discovered a 750-pound bomb in Ban Phonhong, Viengxay District.
(KPL) On October 7, 2024, Phonechanh Khampanya, head of the Huaphan provincial UXO clearance project, led a team to inspect a site where local residents discovered a 750-pound bomb in Ban Phonhong, Viengxay District.
Mr. Somthone Phannalath, a senior official in Ban Phonhong, reported that the bomb has remained buried since 1966, a remnant of U.S. aerial bombardments during the war. This is the largest bomb ever found in the area since the end of the conflict, following a previous discovery of a large bomb in 2021.
The bomb was uncovered beneath the Namhao Bridge in Ban Phonhong on September 25, 2024, by villagers who were collecting firewood washed ashore by recent floodwaters.
Mr. Somphith Phimmany, Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) official for Huaphan Province, stated, “After being notified by the Viengxay district administration, we formed a team to inspect the site and confirmed the bomb's presence.”
The provincial UXO clearance project is currently awaiting guidance from the national UXO clearance project to formulate a disposal plan for the bomb.
“Once we complete the defusing process, the bomb will be transported to the provincial UXO clearance project's disposal site to ensure safety,” Mr. Somphith added.
KPL
