KUALA TERENGGANU: A bunch of gas-filled balloons which was supposed to be released during the opening gimmick of a health event at the Batu Burok recreational park here exploded and turned into a ball of fire, injuring at least ten people.
Those who were nearest to the balloons suffered severe burns, with one injured victim at risk of losing his vision.
The incident occurred during the Walk for the Blind event organised by the Ophthalmology Department of the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital.
It is learnt that the bunch of black balloons, believed to contain highly-flammable gas, failed to be released, as its strings had become entangled. It was then left aside.
However, during the lucky draw session at about 11.40am, some 30 people, mostly students who had taken part in a colouring contest, rushed to the balloons and attempted to pull them down.
It is believed that one of the adults near the balloons tried to use a lighter to cut the entangled strings – and a loud explosion was heard soon after, followed by the formation of a fireball.
Victims were rushed to Sultanah Nur Zahirah’s emergency unit, which was about 100 metres away, for burn treatment.
At least two adults and two children were later warded at the hospital's Burn Unit.
They were identified as Mohd Saiful Rizan, 33, Nurifikin Kamal, 31, Muhammad Faiz Danial, 12 and Nur Batrista Balqis.
Mohd Saiful risks permanent blindness, as he is unable to see after suffering severe burns on his head and both arms.
The remaining injured received outpatient treatment.
As at press time, hospital authorities are declining comment.