Fireworks tragedy not a big deal: minister
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A faulty fireworks blast that killed one man during a coronation anniversary event for the Cambodian king last week was described by the country's defence minister as "not a big deal", it was reported yesterday.
The victim, a 23-year-old university student, was nearly cut in half by the force of the explosion and died on the spot on Wednesday night. Several other people were injured, two of them seriously, when the canister ignited prematurely, sending shrapnel into thecrowd of bystanders.
“The incident was not a big deal,” General Tea Banh said on Sunday, The Cambodia Daily reported. “It was an unexpected incident.”
More fireworks displays are planned for the Water Festival, which begins tomorrow, but General Banh said they would be set off from boats instead.
