KABUL, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Two children lost their lives and their mother was injured as an unexploded device went off in Helmand province, south of Afghanistan, on Wednesday, a local official said.

The deadly incident took place in Khanshin district on Wednesday morning when two children found a toy-like object and put it into the fire while their mother was preparing breakfast. The object exploded, killing the children at the scene and badly injuring their mother.

Provincial police spokesman Nasir Ahmad Mahajir urged the locals to inform police if suspected objects are seen in the area.

Afghanistan has been regarded as one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world as the mines and unexploded devices left over from the past more than four decades of war often target civilians.