Bombs kill eight at Burma festival

Three bombs exploded at a water festival in the former capital of Burma (Myanmar) Rangoon today, killing eight people and wounding…

Three bombs exploded at a water festival in the former capital of Burma (Myanmar) Rangoon today, killing eight people and wounding 94, state TV said, blaming "destructive elements" for the attacks.

The government has not blamed any group and there were no immediate claims of responsibility.

Hospital sources had put the toll at nine.

Witnesses said they heard three loud explosions at a pavilion alongside Kandawgyi Lake.

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Revellers in Burma, as well as neighbouring Thailand and Laos, celebrate New Year by dousing friends and strangers with scented water and white powder.

Most of the pavilions on U Htaungbo Road, along the scenic lakeside, are run by companies close to the authorities.

In May 2005, three bombs exploded at a convention centre and supermarkets, killing 23 people and wounding more than 160. There have been a few sporadic bombings since.

Reuters