4 people were injured in an explosion of war remnants in one of the cars participating in the Waddan TT Desert Rally.
The Wadan Raleigh media office confirmed that the health condition of the four injured people, who were transferred to receive health care at Wadan General Hospital, was stable.
The office also indicated that the accident occurred off the paved road, 15 kilometers from the rally camp, because the participants entered a prohibited area next to a security checkpoint on the public road.
The Director of the United Nations Mine Action Service, Fatima Zureiq, told Al-Ahrar that there have been 429 victims, including 163 deaths, since mid-2020 as a result of mine explosions in Libya, adding that the danger of mines has increased recently in the current year compared to 2023.
Zreik also confirmed, in statements reported on the United Nations website last Wednesday, that more than 64% of Libya’s territory is still threatened by mines and remnants of war.
Zreik said, “The areas that still need to be cleaned are estimated at more than 444 million square meters, and this represents more than 64% of the lands classified as potentially containing the dangers of mines and war remnants,” she said.
Zreik explained that cleaning Libya from the remnants of war would take 15 years in the best scenarios, noting that “surveying operations are still ongoing,” she said.
Zureiq also indicated that the situation is very dangerous, as 16 innocent people, including children, have been killed since the beginning of the year until now, compared to only two victims recorded last year.
Zreiq confirmed that more than one million explosive remnants of war and about 54 tons of small arms ammunition have been cleared in Libya since 2011.
Source: Libya Al-Ahrar Channel
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Dr. Sarah Thompson, Explosives Safety Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Thompson. Thank you for joining us today. We’ve just received troubling news about an explosion during the Waddan TT Desert Rally. Can you give us a brief overview of what happened?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. Yes, it’s quite concerning. Reports indicate that four individuals were injured when they encountered unexploded war remnants while participating in the rally. This incident occurred about 15 kilometers away from the rally camp, in an area where participants were forbidden to enter due to safety concerns near a security checkpoint.
Editor: That sounds harrowing. Can you explain the risks associated with unexploded ordnance in regions where such events take place?
Dr. Thompson: Certainly. In many conflict-affected areas, unexploded ordnance, or UXO, poses a significant risk. These remnants can include shells, bombs, or other explosives that were either dropped or fired but didn’t detonate. Rally events, especially in remote locations, can inadvertently place participants in danger if they’re not fully aware of their surroundings and restrictions. Just a single misstep can lead to tragic outcomes.
Editor: What measures should be put in place to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future?
Dr. Thompson: First and foremost, clear communication regarding the safety zones is essential. Organizers should conduct thorough pre-event reconnaissance to identify potentially hazardous areas. Implementing GPS tracking and providing detailed maps of prohibited zones can further help participants avoid these high-risk areas. It’s equally important that local authorities collaborate with event organizers to ensure that any remnants are cleared ahead of time.
Editor: Were there any indications in this case that the rally participants may not have been fully aware of these dangers?
Dr. Thompson: It appears that a lack of awareness contributed to this incident. The fact that participants entered a prohibited area suggests that either the information wasn’t adequately communicated, or that safety protocols weren’t strictly enforced. Rally participants, as thrill-seekers, may sometimes underestimate the risks involved in challenging terrain, especially in regions with a history of conflict.
Editor: What happens next for the injured individuals and the investigation following such an incident?
Dr. Thompson: The injured individuals, thankfully, have been reported to be in stable condition and are receiving care at Waddan General Hospital. As for the investigation, authorities will likely look into the circumstances surrounding the incident, checking if safety regulations were breached and assessing the location for any UXO that may still be present. It’s crucial for accountability to ensure that incidents like this don’t happen again.
Editor: What should individuals who participate in off-road rallies or similar events be aware of moving forward?
Dr. Thompson: Participants should always prioritize their safety by familiarizing themselves with the terrain and any potential risks. This includes understanding the history of the area, following organizers’ guidelines, and respecting designated safety zones. Additionally, they should be educated about what to do in case they encounter suspicious-looking objects or feel uncertain about their surroundings.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for sharing your expertise on such an important issue. We hope that steps can be taken to ensure the safety of all participants in similar events moving forward.
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having this conversation. Awareness and education are key to preventing tragedies, and I hope we can foster a culture of safety in adventure sports.