Three dead in lightning strike at Angkor Wat

A lightning strike has hit the Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem Reap, killing three people and injuring dozens, reported security sources in the region.

The incident occurred at about 5pm on Friday during a traditio­nal spiritual ceremony held by local Cambodians atop the temple amid rainfall. Most of the victims were Cambodian nationals.

Preliminary assessments suggest that the absence or insufficiency of a lightning protection system at the temple site may have contributed to the incident.

Following online reports of the tragedy, many Cambodians on social media have called for the news to be taken down to avoid alarming potential tourists and to protect the country’s image. — The Nation Thailand/ANN