Six Australians sustained injuries after a visit to a Kampong Cham pagoda yesterday resulted in an unexpected four-metre plunge.

While climbing the Han Chey Mountain in Kampong Siem district, the tourists, aged between 56 and 73, took a break against the staircase banister.

“Because the concrete bannister is dilapidated and all of them have big builds, they fell down,” said Set Sela, deputy provincial police chief.

Two of the six are unable to walk due to the accident and have been sent to Calmette Hospital, while the other four incurred more mild injuries.

“This is an accident which no one wanted to happen,” said Pak Cheat, Kampong Siem district police chief.