A bang fai bamboo rocket exploded inside a temple compound in Phayao’s Chiang Kham district on Tuesday night, injuring five villagers, police said.
The explosion occurred at 10.30pm at the Wat Phra That Sobwaen in Tambon Yuan after villagers performed a candle procession around the chapel to mark Visakha Puja Day
After the procession, villagers two traditional northeastern bamboo rockets to ask for blessings.
Witnesses told police that the first rocket flew into the air but the second one exploded on the ground, causing injuries.
Two villagers were severely injured. Praphan Promma, 58, lost his right arm from below the elbow, while Apidej Tila, 39, lost his right leg from below the knee.
The three others, who were slightly injured, were identified as Anan Jaikla, 50, Mai Phankham, 63, and Thananchai Somrit, 48.
The Nation
