Deputy Prime Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel and Pokhara Metropolitan Mayor Dhanraj Acharya have been airlifted to Kathmandu for medical treatment following an accident during the inauguration of Pokhara Visit Year 2025.
The incident occurred when a hydrogen-filled balloon exploded during the event at the Exhibition Centre in Pokhara-9, Naya Bazaar. Finance Minister Paudel and Mayor Acharya, who were on stage at the time, sustained injuries from the blast.
According to Bhuwan KC, press advisor to the minister, Paudel suffered burns on his hand and face, while Mayor Acharya also sustained more severe injuries. Initially, Acharya was taken to Fishtail Hospital, while Paudel received primary treatment at Gandaki Hospital.
Both the injured were later transported to Kirtipur Burn Hospital in Kathmandu on Saturday afternoon via a Simrik Air helicopter for further treatment.
The explosion was reportedly triggered when an automatic switch sparked a flame that ignited the hydrogen-filled balloon. The Pokhara Visit Year inauguration event continued despite the incident.
