Police have confirmed the death of a 17-year-old boy identified as Bob Robin, who died after a high explosive device exploded.

Eastern Region Assistant spokesperson, Tionge Kayenda, said the incident happened on Tuesday, at Malawi Defence Force (MDF) motor firing range camp placed at Chikala hills in Machinga district.

“On that fateful day, Bob together with his four colleagues went to the said hills to make charcoal. Whilst there, the boys separated to different locations. In the process of arranging the logs to burn charcoal, his friends heard an explosion from the direction where Bob was,” she said.

Kayenda, however, says when the friends went closer to witness the incident, they found Bob lying unconscious with severe injuries.

They immediately rushed him to St. Luke’s Hospital where death was pronounced upon arrival.