PHNOM PENH, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Four people lost their lives and five others were injured on Thursday during a large gathering in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, for red packets given by a local tycoon, officials said.

The tragic incident happened at around 10:00 a.m. local time when a large crowd of people gathered for red envelopes, each containing 10 U.S. dollars, given by influential businessman Sok Kong at his mansion on Norodom Boulevard in Duan Penh district.

Phnom Penh Deputy Governor Keut Chhe confirmed the tragic incident to Xinhua, saying that the injured people had been rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

Chap Dina, deputy governor of Duan Penh district, said in a statement that the dead included two men and two women, aged between 37 and 71 years old.

Local authorities said the incident was likely caused by suffocation when many people rallied in a densely packed space. Enditem

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