Hue, Vietnam – Authorities in Hue have released an official report addressing a concerning incident in which fireworks from a cannon firing show at the Hue Flag Tower veered into the audience area, sparking safety concerns among festivalgoers.
According to the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, the incident occurred during the second of two scheduled ceremonial cannon fire events held on Saturday evenings—first on April 26 and again on May 3. While the first event drew criticism for its brevity, the second resulted in an alarming safety lapse when a misfired pyrotechnic projectile unexpectedly landed among the spectators.
The investigation revealed that the mishap stemmed from the unauthorized use of expired fireworks equipment. Due to delays in procuring specialized pyrotechnic materials (Z21 cartridges), technical staff reportedly repurposed 58 leftover flame tubes from the 2023 Hue Traditional Craft Festival. These old tubes had been exposed to moisture, failed to ignite properly, and had surpassed their expiration date—factors that significantly compromised their safety and performance.
Moreover, installation errors caused the projectiles to fire in the wrong direction—toward the audience rather than skyward.
The incident has raised questions about safety protocols and equipment standards at public events in one of Vietnam’s most historically significant tourist destinations. No injuries were reported, but the Hue Monuments Conservation Center is expected to conduct a full review to prevent similar incidents in future performances.
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Source: Vietnam Insider