Fire erupts on fireworks launch barge in Japan during festival VIDEO

A fire broke out on a launch barge during a fireworks display in the Minato Mirai district of Yokohama, prompting a swift rescue operation and an ongoing investigation by Japanese authorities.

The incident occurred shortly before 8:00 p.m. local time during the Minato Mirai Smart Festival 2025, a major summer event held in Yokohama’s Naka Ward. According to the Japan Coast Guard, five workers aboard one of two barges used to launch fireworks jumped into the sea to escape the flames. All five were safely rescued, Caliber.Az reports via Japanese media. 

横浜 花火大会の会場で打ち上げの台船が炎上中https://t.co/HpfMo3rLOX #nhk_news

— NHKニュース (@nhk_news) August 4, 2025

Eyewitnesses and video footage from national broadcaster NHK showed intense flames continuing to engulf the vessel as late as 8:30 p.m.—approximately 40 minutes after the first emergency calls were made. Fireworks on board were seen igniting and exploding intermittently.

At this time, it remains unclear whether any injuries have occurred. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by local police, fire officials, and the Japan Coast Guard.

Oh no, a fire broke out at the fireworks festival! I thought it was strange that the fireworks kept going off even after the scheduled end time, but it turns out it was an accident🚨 https://t.co/Gwp8aVHot3 pic.twitter.com/FuWqWy79WH

— おはよ!まいぶらざー (@OhayoMybrother) August 4, 2025

Authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether safety protocols were properly followed and what triggered the initial blaze. The barge fire has raised concerns about event safety measures during large-scale public celebrations in densely populated urban areas.

The Minato Mirai Smart Festival is one of the region's most popular summer attractions, drawing thousands of spectators each year.

By Sabina Mammadli