A party at a beachside restaurant in Bali turned chaotic when a balloon exploded, igniting a large fire. Witnesses captured videos of flames engulfing the Chez Gado-Gado restaurant in the Seminyak area. An Australian teen was hospitalized with burns after the incident.

Witness Recounts the Event

Tara Borelli, present at the celebration, reported that a waitress accidentally lit a candle too close to a balloon, causing it to explode. Borelli recalled grabbing her daughter and cousin to escape to the beach as the restaurant’s straw roof caught fire and was quickly engulfed in flames.

Fire Details and Response

The Badung Fire and Rescue Service worked for over two hours to extinguish the fire according to The Bali Sun, ensuring no casualties. Inspector I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya from Denpasar Police mentioned that witness accounts strongly suggest the balloon explosion initiated the fire.

Attempts by restaurant staff to control the blaze using fire extinguishers were unsuccessful due to its rapid spread. Witnesses described panic among those present, with many unsure how to react to the unfolding disaster.

Aftermath

The Chez Gado-Gado restaurant remains temporarily closed as confirmed on its website after this dramatic incident.