At least five people were killed, and eight others were injured by a mortar shell explosion during a cultural initiation ceremony of boys into adulthood in Pagarau village of Yirol East County in Lakes State yesterday.

Dr. John Mabor Kok, the director of Yirol Hospital, told Radio Tamazuj that five people were confirmed dead, and one of the wounded is in critical condition. 

“There are superficial and deep injuries. Already we have handled them. One passed away on the way to the hospital. One has a liver injury and this is the serious one," he said.   

The secretary-general of the defunct Eastern Lakes State, Barnaba Mayor Deng, was caused by a fire which was lit for visibility at night but unfortunately ended up detonating an abandoned mortar shell.

“They lit a fire and did not know that there was an abandoned 60-millimeter mortar shell in the ground. It exploded and unfortunately killed and injured people,” according to Mayor Deng. "Cultural initiations are always practiced and done by adult boys who have matured and want to join manhood from boyhood starting from November, December, and January towards the end of the year and beginning of a new year."

Mayor Deng said the explosion is being investigated by the security forces who have gone to the scene of the incident.