A 12-year-old boy in Sète, southern France, was hospitalised after unknowingly purchasing a real grenade at a flea market for just €1 (about S$1.45). Mistaking it for a harmless toy, he brought it home to play with, only to trigger an explosion when he pulled its safety pin.
The incident took place around 11am on 4 August, when the boy and his mother were browsing stalls at the local flea market. Attracted by what looked like a novelty grenade, he paid a 59-year-old vendor a small sum without realising it was actually a training grenade containing a small amount of gunpowder and lime.
When the boy tugged at the pin, the device detonated in his hands. The blast sprayed lime powder across his body, leaving injuries to his hands, eyes and abdomen. He briefly lost consciousness before paramedics arrived. Fortunately, his wounds were not life-threatening, and he was rushed to hospital for further treatment.
Seller Claims He Thought It Was a Toy
Police have since questioned the 59-year-old stall owner, who insisted he too believed the grenade was nothing more than a replica. Investigators are now working to trace the origins of the device and determine how it ended up for sale at a public market.
The case has raised concerns about public safety at flea markets, where military memorabilia and imitation weapons are sometimes traded. Authorities are investigating whether more such items could be in circulation and whether stricter regulations are needed to prevent dangerous goods from being sold to unsuspecting customers.
A Close Call With a Potentially Deadly Device
Although the grenade was not a live combat weapon, experts warn that even training grenades can cause serious harm. In this case, the boy suffered burns and abrasions from the lime and explosive charge but avoided more severe injuries thanks to the device’s limited strength.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks of handling suspicious objects. Police have urged the public to exercise caution and immediately alert authorities if they encounter weapons, explosives or military equipment in unexpected places.