London: A former bomb disposal expert in the British army, who was also injured in an explosion, has devised a new smartphone app to help civilians avoid treading on mines, the Daily Mail reported.
Richard Stevens, 42, spent 22 years in the Royal Engineers defusing explosives around the world.
He has now developed the "Landmine Awareness" app through his company CAT-UXO that gives users tips on how to spot mines, how to avoid them and what to do if they wander into a minefield.
The app lists all known mines and bombs that cause death and disability.
The Daily Mail said the database is constantly updated with new information and is targeted at civilian travellers, those who live in areas scattered with mines and even the military.
Stevens, who hopes to develop an Arabic version of the app, says many people are unaware just how many places are littered with mines.
He said that even in Britain there was a risk of being blown up by mines, some of which remain from World War II.
Stevens was recently training in Afghanistan when his vehicle was hit. He suffered injured ribs and scraped hands.
The app is free to download initially. But subsequent information costs a few pounds.
