Egypt's health ministry has said that 63 people were injured around the country on Thursday during celebrations marking the inauguration of the new Suez Canal project.
Thousands of Egyptians took to the streets and gathered in squares across the country's governorates Thursday to mark the opening of the extension to the channel, which authorities bill as a national accomplishment that will boost the county's battered economy.
Those injured on the day suffered from complaints including heat exhaustion, headaches and fatigue. Some were treated on site while others were hospitalised, according to the statement.
The new waterway was inaugurated at a lavish waterfront ceremony on Thursday which was attended by a number of foreign leaders and dignitaries, among them French President Francois Hollande.
The estimated-$8.2 billion project included the construction of an additional 35-km channel running parallel to part of the existing 145-year old canal, the shortest sea route between Asia and Europe.
It also included the deepening and widening of 37 kilometres of the existing waterway.
Officials hope the project will cut waiting period for vessels by seven hours, and more than double annual revenues from $5.3 billion in 2014 to $13.23 billion in 2023.
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