Three people were injured after a giant flag carried by a ceremonial drum troupe allegedly struck high-voltage power lines during a Nine Emperor Gods parade in Merbok, Kedah, last night.
The incident happened at around 8.45pm in front of Lotus’s supermarket in Merbok, when strong winds reportedly caused the flag to sway into the overhead power lines. A loud bang was heard, followed by sparks, while a hole was reportedly blown into the road.
The flag bearer and two other troupe members standing nearby were believed to have suffered electric shocks and burns.
St John Ambulance personnel accompanying the procession immediately attended to the injured trio before rushing them to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar for emergency treatment.
All three victims reportedly in stable condition
Temple general affairs officer Chah Boon Chuan confirmed the incident, saying the three victims were taken to the hospital’s emergency department and were in stable condition.
He said the troupe was participating in the temple’s procession for the first time. Strong winds were believed to have pushed the giant flag towards the power lines, resulting in the accident. The procession continued after the incident, with temple personnel stepping up crowd control measures to ensure the remaining participants could complete the route safely.
The procession was organised by the Merbok Dou Mu Gong temple in conjunction with the birthday celebrations of the Nine Emperor Gods. The temple had also built what it described as Malaysia’s largest paper effigy royal ship.
The parade began at 8pm, covering approximately 5km through a nearby light industrial area before returning to the temple. Around 70 troupes took part, accompanied by floats and more than 70 spirit mediums.
Follow Wah Piang for more
