Yunnan Torch Festival Accident Injures 16 in China

On the evening of August 6, a torch‑festival celebration in Le Feng Township, Xuanwei City, Qujing, Yunnan Province turned into a disaster when a plastic bucket filled with flammable liquid tipped over and ignited. The resulting explosion produced a large fireball that swept through the crowd, causing burns of varying severity to 16 participants. Local emergency services, including medical, fire and police units, responded promptly; all injured persons were taken to hospitals and are reported to be in stable condition.

The torch festival, also known as the Star‑Return Festival, is a traditional celebration of Yi, Bai, Naxi and other ethnic groups in southwest China, usually held on the 24th or 25th day of the lunar June. The incident has raised concerns about safety measures at large public gatherings.