A tragic incident has occurred in Kharkiv region, serving as a reminder of the ongoing danger present in the liberated areas of Ukraine
In the city of Izyum, which remained under Ukrainian control after several months of occupation, local residents discovered a hazardous explosive device, resulting in fatal consequences. According to the police of Kharkiv region, the incident took place last Monday when three men, exploring the outskirts of the city, came across a POM-2 mine left behind by occupying forces of the Russian Federation during the period of temporary occupation. As per official information released on the Kharkiv regional police's Telegram channel, three local men were planning to investigate a plot of land near their homes when their attention was suddenly drawn to unknown objects resembling ammunition. They found a mine believed to have been left from the period of active hostilities and occupation of Izyum and nearby districts by Russian troops. A few minutes after the discovery, an explosion occurred—the explosive detonated, leading to tragedy. Police reports state that as a result of the blast, two young men aged 28 and 40 lost their lives, while another man, 30 years old and a resident of the city, sustained serious injuries and was immediately hospitalized. Unfortunately, medical professionals confirmed the deaths of the two men due to their injuries. Emergency services are currently working at the scene, investigating all circumstances of the incident and striving to prevent similar accidents in the future. The local police emphasize that, following de-occupation, residents involved in work on liberated territories must exercise extreme caution when detecting any suspicious objects. Explosive hazards, including mines or unknown metal items, should not be touched, moved, or disassembled on your own—this could lead to irreversible consequences. Law enforcement urges that in such cases, the area of discovery be cordoned off as much as possible and that specialists be contacted immediately via the emergency line 102 or rescue service 101. Such measures are vital to prevent new tragedies and to neutralize dangerous objects as quickly as possible, which is critical under these conditions. Official authorities and law enforcement agencies once again stress the importance of caution and responsible attitude toward hazardous finds in areas liberated from occupation. Military and rescue personnel are working around the clock to inspect and secure the surrounding territories; however, human vigilance remains the key element in preventing tragedies. Ukrainian society calls on everyone to act responsibly and avoid unnecessary risks, especially in places where ammunition is frequently found, as these objects can potentially detonate again even many years after being left behind.