China's drone light show ends in chaos: Crowd runs for life after UAVs catch fire, sparks fall on ground | Watch
A drone show in China turned chaotic when several UAVs malfunctioned, causing a fire that rained down on spectators. The incident occurred on October 2 at the Sky Theatre in Liuyang during a performance meant to showcase a 3D visual spectacle.
A shocking fire incident was reported in China during drone show after several Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) malfunctioned. In a tragic turn of events, a dazzling display of lights in the night sky turned chaotic. Blazes rained down on spectators on October 2, who ran for their life, according to a report by The Sun.
Set to lit the sky and thrill the audience with a mesmerising experience, the show titled “October: The Sound of Blooming Flowers” created panic and fear among the audience assembled at Sky Theatre in Liuyang, a city in Hunan province. The 3D visual spectacle using fireworks and drones over land and water made it an unforgettable moment for spectators which was captured on camera.
Videos of the incident went viral on social media, showing terrified crowds running for cover. In the clip flames and debris can be seen fall from the night sky on the crowd gathered to watch the night show. When burning fragments started rained down some attendees were seen using chairs as shields.
What caused the drones to malfunction?
According to local media reports, Officials from the Liuyang Bureau of Culture and Tourism alleged that unusually dry weather conditions may have contributed to the malfunction.
To control the situation, officials established a one-mile evacuation zone and no injuries were reported in the incident, authorities confirmed later. In the aftermath, additional firefighting teams were deployed.
Liuyang, known to host pyrotechnic shows, attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year, according to The Sun. Notably, over 160,000 people travelled to the city in January to witness its New Year’s celebrations.
Social media reaction
Social media users strongly reacted to the incident as one user wrote, “With a little work those could become effective incendiary munitions.” Another user remarked, “This was supposed to be beautiful, but it turned into something out of an apocalypse.”
A third user said, “That’s one interactive light show. That’s why China is always ahead.” A fourth comment read, “Terrifying and funny 😆 at the same time.”
A fifth user wrote,"Reminiscent of pagers and walkie talkies. Scary if just the tiniest glitch in programming -accidental or intentional - can end so disastrously."