Indonesian teen killed in firecracker explosion in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur  - A Indonesian teenager was killed instantly when a modified firecracker exploded and hit him on the head in Malaysia's eastern state of Sarawak, a news report said Wednesday.

The 19-year-old victim was believed to have placed a firecracker inside a metal pipe with the hope of launching the explosive when the accident occurred, said Miri district police chief Jamaluddin Ibrahim.

"We believe that he was checking the firecracker after it failed to launch, when it suddenly blew out from the pipe and hit him straight on the head," Jamaluddin told the official Bernama news agency.

Malaysia has banned the sale of most types of firecrackers, following an increase in accidents caused by homemade or modified firecrackers resulting in loss of limbs and life. (dpa)

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