Military Exhibition of Captured Equipment in Russia Results in Death of 4-Year-Old

A four-year-old child died at a military exhibition in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Russia, after being struck by the hatch of a Ukrainian M113 armored personnel carrier, according to multiple Russian media reports.

The incident occurred during an exhibition showcasing captured Ukrainian and NATO equipment. Local media, citing eyewitnesses, reported that children were climbing on the armored vehicles when the hatch of the M113 suddenly opened and struck the child.

According to the Telegram channel Baza, the boy sustained an open traumatic brain injury. Emergency services responded to the scene, but the child died in the ambulance.

There are conflicting accounts of how the incident occurred. Some witnesses claimed that another child inside the vehicle inadvertently pulled a lever, causing the hatch to fall. Another version suggests a hydraulic failure led the heavy hatch to open unexpectedly.

The exhibition opened on April 25 following a decision by Russia’s Minister of Defense, prompted by a request from the local governor.

It was organized to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Second World War and featured seven pieces of damaged military equipment captured during Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Following the incident, the exhibition has been closed to the public. It was initially scheduled to run until May 3.

Earlier, Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian-captured American M113 armored personnel carrier during fighting near Kotlyne in Donetsk region, according to the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade. The M113, modified with additional armor, was eliminated alongside other Russian vehicles during a failed assault on Ukrainian positions.

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