Two farmers were injured on Tuesday when they drove a tiller over a landmine that exploded in Choam Ksan district’s Sra Em commune, in Preah Vihear province, said commune officials.

Commune chief Prak Phy identified the victims as Thi Thea, 21, and his relative So Pov, 36. Thea sustained injuries to his left temple after he was hit by debris from the explosion. Pov sustained a minor injury.

“Both suspects are being hospitalised at Choam Ksan district referral hospital,” said Phy

He said the victims are construction workers and farmers. They were delivering sand to Bos Sbov pagoda to build a stupa for their client when the incident occurred.

Provincial deputy chief of the 6th Mine Action Unit Cheng Seng Khim ordered experts to investigate the location on Wednesday. A TM46 type mine was found 16 metres from the site of the explosion. It was confiscated to be destroyed at a later date.

“Meanwhile, our team is further investigating the location to prepare to remove mines and unexploded ordnances,” he said.

Two years ago, two citizens died and one sustained injuries in the same area due to mine explosions, said authorities.