A man was killed and five others injured in Germany when a mechanical digger tipped over and hit them during a so-called 'cold water challenge', a dare that has been spreading on Facebook.

Prosecutors said 11 members of a bowling club in Isselburg, on the Dutch border, had filled the digger's shovel with 2,000 litres (528 gallons) of water, which was to be poured over them.

However, as the shovel was lifted into the air, the digger tipped over and the shovel hit six of the men. Four of the injured were taken to hospitals following the accident.

In the US, several people have been injured participating in cold water challenges, which typically involve dares such as jumping into cold water.

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