SIEM REAP - A lightning strike hit the Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia, on May 16, killing three people and injuring dozens, reported security sources in the region.

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

As at the afternoon of May 17, Cambodian authorities have yet to release an official statement confirming the number of casualties.

Preliminary assessments suggest 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/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

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