Chinese police investigate festival deaths

Chinese police are investigating how a stampede at a Lunar New Year lantern display in the capital killed 37 people.

Chinese police are investigating how a stampede at a Lunar New Year lantern display in the capital killed 37 people.

One spectator tripped on the steep steps of a metal rainbow-shaped bridge and fell, triggering the crush in Beijing last night as others fell on top, many losing shoes and pieces of clothing, city officials said.

The toppling bodies buckled the metal handrails outwards.

Of the dozens injured at the popular park in northern Beijing where the accident took place, three people were still in coma, city officials said today.

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Officials cordoned off the bow-shaped bridge decorated with ribbons and pictures of monkeys heralding the Year of the Monkey for the festival, traditionally held on the 15th day of the first lunar month.

Witnesses said the festival at Mihong Park drew huge crowds last year, requiring police to control the number of people crossing the bridge, which spanned a frozen canal. It was unclear whether police took similar precautions on Thursday.