Four people were injured when a freshly-greased bamboo pole snapped during a climbing game in the Philippines.

Villagers were scaling the 25ft oil-slicked wooden column during a lively festival in Lerma village, Naga City, Camarines Sur province, on August 11.

But as they neared the flag fluttering at the top to win a prize of 2000 Pesos (35 USD), the flimsy pole suddenly broke from their weight, sending them crashing to the ground.

Footage shows how the pole bent and then snapped with a loud crack. Horrified onlookers began screaming as the men fell onto hard earth below.

The resident who recorded the video said the men were hurt from the fall but did not suffer serious injuries.

They said: 'The men were injured and some were in pain but they will all be back to try the game again. It's a tradition in our village.'

Four people were taken to a hospital for wounds and fractures, local media reported.

Village officials said they did not organise the event. They said they will ban the pole-climbing game to prevent similar accidents from happening.