Saturday, 3 October 2026

Belgian farmer suffers mustard gas burn from First World War shells he found

Belgian farmer suffers mustard gas burn from First World War shells he found

A Belgian farmer came across shells dating from the First World War and suffered burns from the mustard gas they contained. He was fortunate not to have breathed in the gas, and the substance merely soaked slightly into his clothing.

Experts say it may take decades before all the shells of the First World War are found and made safe. Can you imagine what the situation is with the bombs of the Second World War and of later conflicts?

Report a translation error