Thursday September 4, 2008 MYT 9:00:19 PM
Japan temple burns down as monk attacked by bees
TOKYO (AP): A Japanese monk trying to rid his temple of a hornet's nest panicked when the hornets attacked him and dropped a torch, burning his temple to the ground, police said Thursday.
The Buddhist monk had put lighted rags on a stick into the nest in the temple, but dropped it and ran when the hornets flew out and attacked him, Niigata prefectural (state) police official Yuichi Ozaka said.
The fire occurred Wednesday.
He said the monk, Atsushi Sato, 41, suffered burns on his ears, face and left hand, but he was not stung.
The temple in Ojiya City, northern Japan, was burned to the ground, along with the nest, Ozaka said.
Police said Sato's burns were not life-threatening.
- Dr M: Why must Malay leaders say sorry?
- BN leaders slam Ahmad for arrogance
- Sin Chew Media stands by reporter and story
- Defiant Ahmad demands apology
- BBC chief: 48 MPs have said aye to trip
- Much ado about SMS
- Dr M: I was not defending Ahmad
- Sept 16 plan still on track: Selangor MB
- More are heading north
- Have English medium schools
- Mukhriz going for Umno Youth chief post
- Cardiologist Dr Mah is new Perak MCA Youth chief
- Former Segambut MP joins PKR
- Media urged to exercise caution over sensitive issues
- Journalists: We did not hear it wrongly
- Lorry driver remanded in Mamak Gang case
- Sabah, Sarawak should demand 25% oil royalty: Harris
- Still a rollicking party out there
- Young city sets space for heritage
- Alicia Tiah’s property checklist