Blast kills seven, injures three in eastern DRC
Seven civilians have been killed and three others seriously injured after an abandoned explosive device detonated in Rutshuru Territory, North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on Saturday. The blast occurred in Nyarubara-Rugunga village, according to local residents. Residents said the explosive device was discovered by a child in a field. The child […] The post Blast kills seven, injures three in eastern DRC appeared first on The Observer Media Ltd.
Black News 
Seven civilians have been killed and three others seriously injured after an abandoned explosive device detonated in Rutshuru Territory, North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on Saturday.
The blast occurred in Nyarubara-Rugunga village, according to local residents. Residents said the explosive device was discovered by a child in a field. The child reportedly began handling it, triggering the explosion.
Six people, including women and children, were killed instantly, while another victim later succumbed to injuries at Bugusa Health Centre in Rutshuru, according to residents.
Three other people were injured and taken to the same health facility for treatment. The blast also killed a cow.
Residents said fighters of the March 23 Movement/Alliance River Congo (M23/AFC), which controls the area, arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion, collected the bodies and took them to the mortuary at Rutshuru General Hospital.
On Saturday evening, M23/AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka confirmed the deaths and injuries in a statement. Kanyuka attributed the incident to an explosive device allegedly planted by what he described as “enemies of peace”.
He expressed condolences to the victims’ families and urged civilians in areas under M23/AFC control to follow safety measures issued as part of the demining process.
Kanyuka warned civilians against handling, moving or attempting to neutralise suspicious objects or explosive devices found in fields, homes or along public roads.
He urged residents to immediately report such discoveries to the relevant authorities.
Kanyuka said the child who discovered the device in the field began handling it, leading to the explosion. He added that the injured victims were evacuated for medical treatment.
“The AFC-M23 expresses its deep dismay and extends its most heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of this tragic accident,” he said.
He said the demining measures include detecting, neutralising, removing and destroying land and naval mines, unexploded ordnance and other dangerous devices.
Conflict
The incident comes amid continuing fighting and tensions in eastern DRC, where M23/AFC controls large swathes of territory.
The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23/AFC, allegations that Kigali and the rebel movement have consistently denied.
M23/AFC says its armed struggle is aimed at addressing what it describes as corruption, xenophobia and discrimination by the Congolese leadership.
Since early 2025, M23/AFC has intensified its offensive in eastern DRC, capturing several strategic towns and territories and raising concerns that the conflict could escalate into a wider regional crisis.
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