Nepal’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Bishnu Prasad Paudel, and Pokhara Metropolitan Mayor, Dhanraj Acharya, sustained burn injuries on Saturday, February 15, following a balloon explosion at a public event. The incident occurred during the inauguration of Pokhara Tourism Year 2025 when hydrogen-filled balloons accidentally ignited due to contact with fire poppers, resulting in an explosion.
Both officials were injured in the incident and were promptly airlifted to Kathmandu. They are currently receiving treatment at the Burn Hospital in Kirtipur. In response to the explosion, authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident and ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.
