A boy was killed while two others were injured seriously after a grenade they reportedly believed to be a gold bar exploded.

The incident happened in Barangay Balintad, Baungon, Bukidnon, approximately 17 kilometers away from the police station.

Based on investigation, the victims reportedly found the grenade they believed to be a gold bar. When they attempted to cut it with a grinder, the object exploded.

“Allegedly, napagkamalan nila na treasure itong napulot nila… (ginamitan) ng grinder ng mga biktima, unfortunately, nagkaroon ng explosion,” Bukidnon Police Provincial Office Spokesperson, Major Jayvee Babaan, said.

“Pag hindi ka familiar (sa mga bagay na ‘yan) out of curiosity, bawal talaga siya ipukpok ng martilyo, i-grind o sunogon… baka tendency mag-explode dire-diretso,” he added.

The victims were rushed to the hospital, but the boy did not survive. One of the two victims injured has been discharged from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) while the other is reportedly in stable condition, as of this writing.

The individuals injured are 18 and 33 years old.

Based on investigation by the Regional Explosives Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit-Bukidnon, the explosive that went off was a 40mm grenade ammunition commonly used as bullet for an M203 and M79 grenade launcher.

Police are still investigating the incident to determine where the grenade could have come from.

“Sige pa conduct investigation didto itong RECU-10 (Regional Explosives Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit) sa further details in relation to that incident,” Babaan said.

(With reports from Cyril Chaves, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)