A terrifying explosion sent restaurant patrons scrambling for safety after dozens of methane-filled balloons burst into flames when they drifted into overhead power lines in Bukhara, Uzbekistan.
CCTV footage captured the dramatic moment the balloons floated above an outdoor café before becoming entangled in live electrical cables. Within seconds, they ignited in a massive fireball, lighting up the rooftop dining area and sending shocked customers running for cover.
Despite the frightening incident, which unfolded in just a matter of seconds, authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported.
An investigation by the Bukhara Region Department of Internal Affairs found that the balloons had been illegally filled with methane gas, a highly flammable substance. Police said the explosion occurred after the balloons came into contact with overhead electricity lines.
Authorities have since launched administrative proceedings against both the balloon seller and the homeowner who allegedly supplied the natural gas used to inflate the balloons. The penalties they may face have not yet been announced.
Officials have reminded the public never to use natural gas to inflate balloons and urged consumers to purchase balloons only from reputable vendors. They stressed that helium is the recognised safe option because it is an inert gas that does not ignite when exposed to flames or heat.
The incident comes just months after another balloon-related explosion involving hydrogen-filled balloons, which caught fire during a birthday celebration and briefly engulfed the entrance of a shop in flames.
In that earlier incident, the balloons ignited after coming into contact with lit birthday candles, forcing guests to flee. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.
Authorities continue to warn that gases such as methane and hydrogen are extremely flammable and should never be used as substitutes for helium when inflating balloons.
