The dangers of unexploded ordnance from recent battles in Shan State were mad clear this week when a five year old girl was killed and four other children badly injured as a result of them playing with an explosive device, according to a report by RFA

Lue Kein Kham and six of her young relatives, all ethnic Ta’ang (Palaung), were playing together Thursday evening at home in Kutkai township when the incident occurred, Ei Phoo, the children’s grandfather, told RFA.

Lue Kein Kham died from head injuries at Kutkai Hospital on Thursday, Ei Phoo said. One of the injured children was taken to Kutkai Hospital, while a girl and two boys were taken to Lashio Hospital.

NGOs have long warned of the dangers of mines and other explosive ordnance left in rural areas and the dangers they pose. Some claim this threat is an important reason why people in this Myanmar state leave the country to seek work in Thailand and China.