Myanmar : 285 killed during four-day water festival

The festival marks the beginning of the Burmese New Year and is observed as the public holiday.

By PTI

Published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 9:51 [IST]

Yangon, April 18: At least 285 people were killed and 1,073 others injured across Myanmar during a four-day water festival sources said on Tuesday.

The festival marks the beginning of the Burmese New Year and is observed as the public holiday. People of Myanmar believe that celebration of the water festival can wash away evils and sins, and prepare them for a prosperous year ahead.

Myanmar : 285 killed during four-day water festival — Revellers swim in a pool near Sule pagoda as they take part in the second day of the traditional water festival on Friday. Photo credit: PTI

Among the deaths, 10 were in Nay Pyi Taw, 44 in Yangon, 36 in Mandalay, 26 in Sagaing region, 11 in Tanintharyi region, 37 in Bago region, 11 in Magway region, 20 in Mon state, 17 in Rakhine, 29 in Shan state and 28 in Ayeyawaddy region.

Meanwhile, a total of 1,200 criminal cases related to murder, car accident, drug-use, theft, arm possession and group violence were also registered by the police.

A total of 272 people were killed and 1,086 others injured during last year.

PTI

Published On April 18, 2017