Festival concludes with an explosive finish as fireworks boat bursts into flames
Fireworks Festival in Yokohama Under Investigation After Two Barges Catch Fire
A summer festival in Yokohama, Japan, was marred by an unfortunate incident on Monday night, as two barges carrying fireworks caught fire, forcing five workers to jump into the sea to escape. The incident occurred during the Minatomirai Smart Festival on August 4, 2025.
According to reports, the fire was caused by a loss of control over the fireworks on the barges. Fireworks landed on the vessels from which they were being launched, igniting the loaded fireworks onboard.
Organisers of the festival reported losing control of the fireworks on the boats, prompting police and coastguard investigations into the cause. The location of the incidents was in the sea, not on land. The Japanese public broadcaster NHK captured aerial footage of a barge on fire in the sea off Yokohama.
The fire caused the festival to be halted midway for safety reasons, with black smoke seen rising before the fire was eventually brought under control a few hours later. One worker sustained a minor injury during the incident.
Another barge was also affected by the fire but it was unoccupied. The barge was ablaze with pink and white sparks flying in all directions. The fire spread to another barge but there were no people on board.
The summer festival is under investigation for its role in the fire incidents, as well as for the mishandling of fireworks on boats. The police and coastguard are investigating the causes of the fire incidents to determine their origins.
As a result of this unfortunate incident, the organisers of the Minatomirai Smart Festival have expressed their deepest apologies and promised a thorough review of their safety protocols for future events.
Despite the Minatomirai Smart Festival in Yokohama being primarily known for its technology-driven attractions, the incident involving two barges catching fire during the fireworks display on August 4, 2025, also served as an unexpected episode in the realm of sports (referring to the worker jumping into the sea to escape the fire) and entertainment (fireworks display). Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, particularly the mishandling of fireworks on boats.
