Celebrations backfire: 40 suffer burn injuries as balloons filled with harmful gas explode

LAHORE: At least 40 people suffered burn injuries on Sunday when gas-filled balloons exploded at the inauguration ceremony of the Walton Bridge in Lahore, Express News reported. The balloons – reportedly filled with a harmful chemical gas – were released in the air after Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif inaugurated the bridge. People gathered in the area for the inauguration tried to get hold of the balloons when they unexpectedly exploded, leaving many injured. The injured – mostly children – were taken to Jinnah Hospital for medical assistance. Many were treated and released immediately, while more than 10 people are still under treatment.