Gas Balloon Explodes During Cooperative Day Celebration in Bali, 11 Injured

A gas balloon exploded during the 79th anniversary of Cooperative Day in Klungkung Regency, Bali, resulting in 11 people sustaining burn injuries. The incident occurred on Sunday (19/7) around 11:00 AM WITA at the Balai Budaya Ida I Dewa Agung Istri Kanya. Iptu I Dewa Nyoman Alit Purnawibawa, Head of Public Relations for the Klungkung Police, confirmed that 11 individuals suffered burns. According to local reports, the balloon was intended to carry an opening banner but was unable to fly due to the banner's excessive weight. Seeing this, a local resident decided to distribute the balloons to children gathered around the event site. However, while attempting to cut the tethered string connecting the balloon to the banner using a lighter, the flame ignited the gas inside the balloon, causing the explosion. The blast affected residents and children present in the vicinity. The 11 injured individuals were immediately evacuated and are receiving medical treatment at the Klungkung Regional General Hospital (RSUD Klungkung). The police are currently compiling data on the victims and coordinating with relevant parties for further handling of the situation. Information Source: CNN Indonesia