Updated Fri Nov 26, 2010, T Source: AFP
Cambodian Buddhist monks look at bodies lined up on the ground at a hospital in Phnom Penh (AFP: Tang Chhin Sothy)
The Cambodian capital will continue to host an annual water festival despite the deaths of nearly 350 people at this year’s event in a stampede on a bridge.
Government festival official Chea Kean says the ceremony will be “ held as usual” because it is an “ age-old tradition” in the country.
He says it is too soon to say whether Cambodia’s most popular festival would attract as many visitors next year in the wake of this week’s disaster, in which 347 people lost their lives, 221 of them women.
“ Let’s wait and see when we get nearer to the event,” he said.
The three-day event, which marks the reversal of the flow between the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, usually draws millions of visitors to the capital to enjoy dragon boat races, fireworks and concerts.
The festival ended in tragedy after crowds panicked on an overcrowded bridge leading to an island that was one of the main event sites.
Authorities say a full report on the incident will be released next week.
Initial findings from an investigating committee suggest the stampede occurred after rumours rippled through the crowd that the suspension bridge to Phnom Penh’s Diamond Island was about to collapse.
Government festival official Chea Kean says the ceremony will be “ held as usual” because it is an “ age-old tradition” in the country.
He says it is too soon to say whether Cambodia’s most popular festival would attract as many visitors next year in the wake of this week’s disaster, in which 347 people lost their lives, 221 of them women.
“ Let’s wait and see when we get nearer to the event,” he said.
The three-day event, which marks the reversal of the flow between the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, usually draws millions of visitors to the capital to enjoy dragon boat races, fireworks and concerts.
The festival ended in tragedy after crowds panicked on an overcrowded bridge leading to an island that was one of the main event sites.
Authorities say a full report on the incident will be released next week.
Initial findings from an investigating committee suggest the stampede occurred after rumours rippled through the crowd that the suspension bridge to Phnom Penh’s Diamond Island was about to collapse.
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