Two die during Black Nazarene procession

Two people died and hundreds were injured during the festival of the Black Nazarene in the Philippines, where crowds of barefoot people hurled themselves at a statue of Jesus believed to have healing powers, the authorities said. More than a million
PHOTO: REUTERS

Two people died and hundreds were injured during the festival of the Black Nazarene in the Philippines, where crowds of barefoot people hurled themselves at a statue of Jesus believed to have healing powers, the authorities said.

More than a million people turned out for the event in Manila last Saturday, one of the world's largest religious gatherings.

Many believe the Black Nazarene has miraculous powers; sick people will often resort to desperate measures to try to touch it.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 11, 2016, with the headline Two die during Black Nazarene procession. Subscribe