15 spectators were injured when fireworks exploded during a Buddhist festival in Thailand on November 8.

The locals were holding the annual Loy Krathong event by the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom province and had brought the fireworks along to liven up the celebration.

After the opening ceremony, the pyrotechnics were lit up behind a stage, causing a blast that knocked bystanders and staff several metres away.

Footage shows the moment the firework exploded several times as the area was showered with sparks and flames, sending people fleeing for cover.

Major General Tawatchai Thungpao of the Nakhon Phanom police said: "We assume that the explosion happened because the firework did not shoot up into the sky after it had been lit".

The injured worshippers were taken by ambulance to the local hospital. None of them suffered life-threatening injuries.

Nakhon Phanom province mayor Newwat Jeaviriyabunya said: "It is not clear who lit up the fireworks at the event. An investigation is ongoing. I would like to express my condolence to those injured. None had been critically injured but we are willing to take full responsibility. We will provide compensation and take care of medical bills".

The annual Loy Krathong festival, also known as Thailand's Festival of Lights, is celebrated nationwide with followers gathering on the shores of lakes, rivers, canals and beaches to release floating lanterns or "Krathongs" to worship the Goddess of Water "Kong Ka".

It is said to have started in the 12th century in the ancient Thai kingdom. Meaning "to float a ", it follows the Buddhists' belief of paying respect to water spirits.

Since the last century, it has been celebrated annually throughout the Kingdom of Thailand and neighbouring countries such as Laos and Vietnam.

The festival takes place on the evening with a full moon in the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. The exact date of Loy Krathong, also spelled Loi Krathong, varies slightly every year.

Fifteen spectators were injured when a firework exploded during a Buddhist festival in Thailand.

The locals were holding the annual Loy Krathong festival by the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom province on November 8 evening and had brought the fireworks along to liven up the celebration.

After the opening ceremony, the pyrotechnics were lit up behind a stage, causing a blast that knocked bystanders and staff several metres away.

Footage shows the moment the firework exploded several times as the area was showered with sparks and flames, sending people fleeing for cover.

Major General Tawatchai Thungpao of the Nakhon Phanom police said: 'We assume that the explosion happened because the firework did not shoot up into the sky after it had been lit.'

The injured worshippers were taken by ambulance to the local hospital. None of them suffered life-threatening injuries.

Nakhon Phanom province mayor Newwat Jeaviriyabunya said: 'It is not clear who lit up the fireworks at the event. An investigation is ongoing.

'I would like to express my condolence to those injured. None had been critically injured but we are willing to take full responsibility. We will provide compensation and take care of medical bills.'

The annual Loy Krathong festival, also known as Thailand's Festival of Lights, is celebrated nationwide with followers gathering on the shores of lakes, rivers, canals and beaches to release floating lanterns or 'Krathongs' to worship the Goddess of Water 'Kong Ka'.

It is said to have started in the 12th century in the ancient Thai kingdom. Meaning 'to float a basket', it follows the Buddhists belief of paying respect to water spirits.

Since the last century, it has been celebrated annually throughout the Kingdom of Thailand and neighbouring countries such as Laos and Vietnam, where Buddhism is also endemic.

The festival takes place on the evening with a full moon in the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. The exact date of Loy Krathong, also spelled Loi Krathong, varies slightly every year.