Fireworks injure 120 in Libya festivities
2013-01-24 14:08
Tripoli - At least 120 people have suffered burns from
fireworks set off at a religious festival in the Libyan capital Tripoli, state
news agency LANA reported on Thursday.
The incident occurred late on Wednesday when people
celebrating the birthday of the prophet Mohammed threw fireworks at pedestrians
and motorists in the city, said witnesses.
The injuries included serious burns to the face, eyes and
hands, said medical officials.
"A number of the injured had their damaged fingers and
hands amputated," Bashir Milad, a medical official at the Tripoli Burns
Hospital, told LANA.
The country's religious authorities have recently called on
Libyans not to celebrate the prophet's birthday, saying its observance is
un-Islamic.
The event, which falls on Thursday, is a public holiday in
Libya and most Islamic countries.
- SAPA
