Fire Breaks Out on Yokohama Fireworks Barges Injuring One

During the Minato Mirai Smart Festival 2025 in Yokohama, Japan, a fire broke out on two of the eight barges used for launching fireworks, causing the event's cancellation shortly after it began. The incident occurred around 7:30 to 7:50 p.m., with flames spreading from a malfunctioning flame launcher on one barge to another, prompting immediate cessation of the fireworks display. Five workers aboard one of the barges escaped by jumping into the sea, and one sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized. Authorities, including the coast guard and local police, are investigating the cause of the accident, with festival organizers apologizing and pledging a thorough inquiry. Aerial footage captured the blaze, showing sparks flying from the vessels and highlighting the dangerous failure that disrupted the scheduled display of approximately 20,000 fireworks. The organizers expressed regret for the incident and the inconvenience caused to attendees.