Five children were injured when a World War II-era explosive device detonated under a campfire at a campsite in Austria, according to local authorities.

The incident occurred when the group was using an outdoor fire pit, unaware that an unexploded ordnance from the war period was buried beneath the location. The blast injured the children, though the extent of their injuries was not immediately specified.

Austria, like many European countries, continues to deal with unexploded ordnance left over from World War II. These devices, often referred to as war relics, can remain dangerous decades after the conflict ended, particularly when disturbed by construction, excavation, or in this case, the heat from a campfire.

Unexploded bombs and shells from both world wars are regularly discovered across Europe, requiring specialized disposal teams. The devices can become unstable over time, making them particularly hazardous when exposed to heat, vibration, or other disturbances.

Authorities typically advise the public to immediately contact police or military disposal experts if they suspect they have found unexploded ordnance, rather than attempting to move or examine such objects themselves.