SUNGAI PETANI: Police have arrested four men in connection with a fireworks mishap during a Thaipusam chariot procession here yesterday, which left more than 30 devotees and a policeman injured.
Kuala Muda police chief Assistant Commissioner Saifi Abdul Hamid said the men, aged between 25 and 34, were detained at the scene in Jalan Kuala Ketil here shortly after the 8.30pm incident.
He said a forensics team has examined the site and that police have ruled out sabotage as the cause of the explosion.
"Based on initial investigation, there is no element of sabotage or mischief in the incident, as the men were celebrating Thaipusam while witnessing the chariot procession," he said in a statement.
Saifi added that the incident occurred in front of a restaurant near the Sri Subramaniam Swami Temple in Pekan Lama, Sungai Petani.
According to witnesses, three of the fireworks were successfully launched into the air before the explosion occurred near the devotees.
Saifi said 26 devotees, including a 5-year-old child, were injured in the blast.
"Four of the victims are being warded at the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital, while the remaining devotees received outpatient treatment.
"Also injured in the incident was a 43-year-old policeman who was on duty at the scene," he added.
Police have classified the case under Section 324 of the Penal Code and the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958.
The 8.30pm incident occurred when a group of devotees was ushering a chariot, traveling from the Sri Subramaniam Swami Temple towards Jalan Pasar.
The fireworks base suddenly exploded shortly after it was lit up, causing panic and chaos in the crowd.