Student activates grenade at school, injuring several people in Maputo province

An explosion caused by a grenade-type explosive device injured several people, some seriously, on Tuesday afternoon at the Filipe Nyusi Secondary School in the Manhiça district, Maputo province.

According to preliminary information gathered at the scene, the incident occurred when a student, allegedly in possession of a grenade, accidentally activated the device, causing it to detonate on school grounds. The episode abruptly disrupted the normal atmosphere that prevailed at the school during the afternoon.

The explosion resulted in several injuries, including students and informal vendors who were in the vicinity of the institution. According to local sources, some victims have serious injuries, while others suffered minor injuries.

The injured were taken to different health units, depending on the severity of their cases. Students with abrasions and minor injuries received assistance at the Maluana Health Center. Those with more critical cases were transferred to the Manhiça District Hospital, where they remain under intensive medical care. There is a record of at least one student who lost an upper limb as a result of the explosion.

Following the incident, local authorities mobilized to the scene, notably the Police of the Republic of Mozambique, who initiated investigations to determine the circumstances under which the explosive device was introduced into the school grounds.

Some students were taken to the Maluana Police Station to give statements as part of the ongoing investigations. Authorities are seeking to clarify the origin of the grenade, as well as any potential liabilities associated with the incident.

The incident generated a climate of panic and dismay among students, teachers, and parents. Witnesses describe moments of immediate disorder following the explosion, with students attempting to leave the school grounds and seeking assistance for the injured.

The presence of informal vendors inside or near the school also raises questions about security and access control, in a context where dangerous objects should never, under any circumstances, circulate in a school environment.

This incident reignites the debate about control and security mechanisms in Mozambican schools, particularly in areas where access to the premises is not rigorously monitored. The entry of an explosive device into an educational institution highlights weaknesses that may require urgent measures from the competent authorities.

Security experts advocate for the need to strengthen surveillance systems, raise awareness among students and communities, and foster cooperation between schools, families, and law enforcement to prevent incidents of this nature.

To date, no detailed official information has been released regarding the exact number of victims, nor the origin of the explosive device. Authorities continue to work on the ground, awaiting a formal statement that may clarify the circumstances of the incident.

However, the local community remains on high alert, awaiting updates on the condition of the injured and the results of ongoing investigations.