Kulim police chief Zulkifli Azizan said the suspects, aged 34 and 23, were detained following a preliminary investigation into the 12.45am incident in front of a clinic in Taman Seri Limau, Lunas, Utusan Malaysia reported.

He said the two, who are longtime friends, had been hanging out with several others at an open area beside the main road in Paya Besar when the incident happened.

“The first suspect, who was drunk at the time, bought a ‘kelapa’-type fireworks worth RM200 from a nearby stall.

“He then placed the fireworks into a cylinder that was already set up by the roadside, but instead of launching into the air, it exploded on the ground.

“We believe it was installed upside down because the suspect was intoxicated,” Zulkifli was quoted as saying.

He added that both suspects tested negative for drugs but each has a criminal record.

Police are seeking a remand order for further investigations under Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1958 and Section 326 of the Penal Code, he said.

“So far, statements have been taken from 10 victims, and the firecracker seller has been identified and will be traced to assist in the investigation,” Zulkifli said, adding that one of the victims suffered a fractured skull and remains unconscious at Penang Hospital.