In a tragic incident, five children were killed and 11 others injured when a mortar shell exploded in the Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Saturday.

The incident occurred within the limits of Saddar Police Station.

According to police, the accident occurred when the children found a mortar shell in an open field, which they unknowingly brought to their home. Once at home, the shell exploded, causing a devastating blast.

According to a rescue spokesperson, emergency ambulances reached the spot immediately after receiving reports of the explosion.

The injured and deceased were shifted to a nearby hospital. Hospital sources confirmed that most of the 12 injured were children, with some in critical condition.

An emergency has been declared at the hospital, and all staff have been instructed to report to duty immediately.

The sources said that 17 people were brought to the hospital, of whom five were declared dead and 12 injured. They said that the injured were being provided immediate medical assistance.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident, while the bomb disposal squad is also searching the area to check for the presence of more mortar shells.

The incident has caused widespread fear and panic among the local population.