Yunnan Torch Festival Blaze Injures 16 in Qujing
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago4 MIN
Summary
A Torch Festival event in Wusa village group, Jianwen village committee, Lefeng township of Xuanwei city in Qujing, Yunnan, erupted into chaos at about 8:30pm on August 6 when a plastic bucket holding flammable liquid tipped over during torch-lighting and ignited. The accident injured 16 people with burns of varying severity, and all were sent to hospital for treatment, with officials saying their conditions are stable.
Key Points
- The incident happened during a local 火把節 celebration in Wusa village group, Jianwen village, Lefeng township, Xuanwei, Qujing, at around 8:30pm on August 6.
- Authorities said a plastic bucket containing flammable liquid accidentally overturned while people were using the liquid to ignite torches, causing a rapid fire.
- Online videos showed a muffled blast, a large burst of flame, screaming crowds scattering, and at least one participant rolling on the ground after clothing caught fire.
- Xuanwei authorities activated an emergency response and sent health, emergency management, public security and township personnel to rescue the injured and maintain order.
- Officials said all 16 injured people are receiving hospital treatment, their conditions are stable, and aftermath handling is proceeding in an orderly manner.
Why It Matters
The accident has drawn attention to safety risks at traditional fire-based festivals, especially where accelerants are used in crowded public settings. It also highlights the pressure on local authorities to review event management and emergency precautions while preserving an important ethnic cultural celebration in southwest China.