A stray firework injured five men during festivities following the annual boat races on Svay Rieng province’s Veyko River Sunday evening, officials said Monday.
After participating in the races, the five rowers were crowded beneath a tent near the river along with about 15 other people when pieces of a firework burned through the canopy at about 7 p.m., said In Visoth, the Svay Rieng chief of administration.
“The firework shot into the sky, but the sparks fell down to hit them and give them injuries,” he said.
All five burn victims were sent to the provincial referral hospital for treatment, Mr. Visoth said.
According to deputy provincial military police commander Not Non, the men had traveled from Siem Reap province for the races.
“Among the five, only one person was seriously injured,” he said, declining to give further details.
