SAA event in Cahul District, Cahul area, Moldova, Republic of on Sun 10th May 2026

At a military unit, a 20-year-old contract soldier allegedly mishandled a Glock pistol while a 16-year-old visitor and an 18-year-old conscript were nearby. The gun accidentally discharged, injuring the 18-year-old soldier. During the incident, the 16-year-old boy died and according to the preliminary finding due to shock or cardiac arrest. The investigators later confirmed he had also been struck by the same bullet and was already dead when he arrived at the hospital. The soldier who fired the shot has been detained. A criminal case has been opened for violating firearm handling rules, resulting in the death of a minor. Prosecutors are also checking whether military staff and medics responded properly after the shooting.