8 in hospital, 2 arrested in Bt Caves firecracker incident

GOMBAK: The police have denied that there is any foul play involved in a firework mishap in which a few individuals let off firecrackers, which are illegal, in the vicinity, leading to injuries to devotees in Batu Caves.

Gombak OCPD Asst Comm Samsor Maarof said the incident led to six being sent to the hospital.

“They are still receiving treatment and are in stable condition.

"They were sent to the hospital as a precautionary measure,” he said during a press conference there in the early hours of Tuesday morning(Jan 22).

A further 28 victims were given treatment at the medical bay there.

“Investigations showed that the suspect had come with his friends for prayers. However, when they threw a firecracker in the air, it didn’t explode until it landed on the road," he said.

The firecracker should have ignited in the air but failed to do so.

“A 23-year-old suspect was apprehended immediately after the incident. Another, aged 28 years old, was arrested some time later.

The police are still looking for the last suspect,” he said.

ACP Samsor added that the incident also damaged three cars.

The case is being investigated under Section 286 of the Penal Code, for negligent conduct with respect to any explosive conduct.