Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal Bishnu Prasad Paudel and Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya sustained burn injuries due to balloon explosion during the opening ceremony of Pokhara Tourism Year on Saturday. It occurred due to the explosion of the hydrogen gas-filled balloon touching fire.
The blast happened when the Pokhara Visit Year 2025 was being inaugurated. The officials received burn injuries and were given medical assistance. Deputy Prime Minister Paudel was treated at the Gandaki Hospital, while Mayor Acharya was first taken to the Fishtail Hospital. Those injured were later airlifted for further treatment to the Kirtipur Burn Hospital in Kathmandu.
Paudel has injuries in his head and hands whereas Acharya has burn in face, said Pun Lama, private secretary to the mayor. Both officials are now safe and are being professionally monitored.
The episode has provoked questions about safety precautions at public events, but emphasis is now on the quick recovery of the injured officials.
