Tripoli -
At least 120 people have suffered burns from fireworks set off at a religious festival in the Libyan capital Tripoli, state news agency LANA reported Thursday.
The incident occurred late on Wednesday when people celebrating the birthday of the prophet Mohammed threw fireworks at pedestrians and motorists in the city, said witnesses.
The injuries included serious burns to the face, eyes and hands, said medical officials.
“A number of the injured had their damaged fingers and hands amputated,” Bashir Milad, a medical official at the Tripoli Burns Hospital, told LANA.
The country's religious authorities have recently called on Libyans not to celebrate the prophet's birthday, saying its observance is un-Islamic.
The event, which falls on Thursday, is a public holiday in Libya and most Islamic countries. - Sapa-dpa