New Year’s Eve: Hydrogen Balloon Explosion at Henan Wanda Plaza Injures Several People

On December 31, 2024, during the New Year’s Eve countdown in Yixiang City, at the entrance of Wanda Plaza in Yangshan New District, a hydrogen balloon suddenly exploded, causing some people to be burned.

The video footage shows many people coming in and out of the mall entrance when suddenly dozens of hydrogen balloons carried by someone exploded, forming a huge fireball. The public was frightened and scattered in all directions, with multiple people falling in the chaotic scene.

The Yixiang City Fire Rescue Brigade reported that at 20:22 on December 31, at the entrance of Gate 1 of Wanda Plaza in Yangshan New District, a hydrogen balloon brought by a member of the public exploded. The open flame was immediately extinguished by the on-duty firefighters at the scene. Some people sustained minor burns, and the cause of the accident is under investigation, although the exact number of injuries was not specified.

However, according to netizens, it was said that “the balloons provided by the mall were not used because there were many people outside. Some insisted on taking them inside, causing a commotion with everyone rushing, and then suddenly an explosion occurred.” Some mentioned that “they said four people were burned.” “Most of the more serious injuries were children.”

Some netizens posted video screenshots asking, “Is this woman burned? She kept screaming in the video.” One netizen replied, “It is said to be quite serious.” However, there were also netizens who stated that they were present at the scene that day and said, “Nothing much happened, just a man’s hair was singed.”