Fragmentation Grenade Accidentally Exploded in Gen San Killed 1, 4 were Injured

06 Sep Fragmentation Grenade Accidentally Exploded in Gen San Killed 1, 4 were Injured

On September 5, Monday afternoon, a fragmentation grenade accidentally exploded during a grenade handling demonstration at Army Reservist training ground in General Santos City. It killed a soldier-trainer and four others were injured.

Training officials were conducting Explosive Ordnance Reconnaissance Agent (EORA) training at 4 p.m. at the 12th Regional Community Defense Group headquarters in Barangay Asinan, Buayan, General Santos City when the accident happened, Supt. Romeo Galgo Jr. told the Inquirer – national newspaper.

Galgo identified the victim as Technical Sgt. Pablo M. Balansag of ARESCOM. He said, “An instructor was holding a grenade demonstrating it in front of trainees when it accidentally went off.”

Four individuals were injured in the explosion, Galgo reported.

Military forces in General Santos are on high alert status as the city celebrates Tuna Festival.

Text messages spread overnight on the alleged bombing incident in the city and Galgo advised the public to “be calm and don’t panic” saying “it was an accidental explosion.”