Celebrations backfire: 40 suffer burn injuries as gas-filled balloons explode

Balloons were released in the air after Shahbaz Sharif inaugurated Walton Bridge in Lahore.

LAHORE: At least 40 people suffered burn injuries on Sunday when gas-filled balloons exploded at the inauguration ceremony of the Walton Bridge in Lahore, Express News reported.

The balloons were released in the air after Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif inaugurated the bridge.

People gathered to celebrate the inauguration tried to catch the balloons when, for some reason, they caught fire and exploded, leaving many with burns.

The injured – mostly children – were taken to Jinnah Hospital for immediate medical assistance. Many of them were released soon after treatment, while more than 10 people are still being treated.