Quang Binh Province, Vietnam- The New Year has proven deadly for victims of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Two families in Central Vietnam are mourning the loss of family members killed by UXO, and a third is praying for the life of another.

A 34-year-old man was cutting down trees for firewood on January 7th when a hidden cluster bomb exploded nearby. He was killed instantly. His reported injuries included the loss of his hands, shattered legs, and fatal injuries in his head, abdomen, and chest. Clear Path International responded to the accident and helped the family plan and finance the man’s funeral. He leaves behind a wife and three young children.

The same day, a 25-year-old man was seriously injured by a cluster bomb when he was collecting scrap metal in a rural area. The blast tore a hole in his abdomen, exposing internal organs. He was taken to the local health center for first aid and then transferred to the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Hospital for intensive treatment. The man remains in critical condition. CPI is supporting the man’s nutritional needs and has reimbursed the family for the man’s hospital treatment to date.

Two young siblings, ages 12 and 14, were collecting scrap metal to resell for petty cash on January 16th when one of the objects exploded. The elder boy was tragically killed in the explosion, while his younger sister was rushed to the nearest hospital for emergency care and further treatment. The Quang Binh Department of Labor and Social Affairs alerted CPI of the accident, who sent staff to assess the situation and provide the family with financial assistance for the boy’s funeral and the girl’s medical expenses.

Although the Vietnam War ended nearly 30 years ago, bombs that remain in the ground still regularly claim lives and limbs. Since the war ended in 1975, nearly 40,000 Vietnamese have been killed by leftover ordnance.

Clear Path International serves landmine and bomb accident survivors, their families and their communities in former war zones in Southeast Asia. This assistance takes the form of medical and social services to survivors and their families and equipment support to local hospitals. Current Clear Path projects are in Vietnam, Cambodia and on the Thai-Burma border.