Finance Minister Paudel, Pokhara Mayor Acharya Injured in Fire Incident at Pokhara Visit Year Inauguration

Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel and Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya sustained injuries in a fire incident during the inauguration of the Pokhara Visit Year at Pokhara Stadium.

The accident occurred while launching a ceremonial balloon, which reportedly burst upon activation of an electric switch, causing flames that burned the cheeks of both officials. They were immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment.

According to the Finance Minister’s secretariat, the incident was caused by a technical malfunction during the inauguration ceremony. Minister Paudel is currently receiving initial treatment at Gandaki Hospital and is expected to return to Kathmandu later today.

Despite the accident, the inauguration program is proceeding in the presence of Tourism Minister Badri Pandey and Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey.

Pokhara Metropolitan City is launching Pokhara Visit Year with the aim of attracting two million tourists to the city by 2025.