Probe Committee Formed to Investigate Pokhara Balloon Explosion

The government has formed an eight-member committee to investigate the balloon explosion that occurred during the inaugural ceremony of ‘Pokhara Visit Year 2025’ in Pokhara.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak established the probe committee under the leadership of Kaski’s Chief District Officer, Bharatmani Pandey. The committee has been directed to submit its findings within 15 days.

Members of the committee include Pokhara Metropolitan City’s Chief Administrative Officer Shivraj Chaulagain, Kaski Superintendent of Police Shyambabu Oliya, Chief of Armed Police Force No. 24 Battalion Surya Prasad Timilsina, Kaski District Office Deputy Director of the National Investigation Department Suresh Kumar Tiwari, and Assistant Chief District Officer Ganga Bahadur Chhetri, who will serve as Member Secretary. Additionally, an explosives expert will be included as a committee member.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel, along with Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya, sustained injuries in the explosion during the inauguration event on Saturday. Both are currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit at the Burn Hospital in Kirtipur.

Following the formation of the investigation committee, Home Minister Lekhak visited the hospital to inquire about the health conditions of the injured.