Taunggyi, Myanmar. 12 November 2016. A large basket of fireworks accidentally dropped from an ascending balloon into the watching crowd this evening at the Taunggyi Balloon Festival, causing a massive explosion, that had most people scattering although some still celebrated as the sparks rained down on them. It is not known if there were any serious casualties but the festival continued unabated. The Taunggyi Balloon Festival runs for a week, culminating on the 14 November – Full Moon Day. Credit: Steve Davey Photography/Alamy Live News

• Contributor: Steve Davey Photography / Alamy Stock Photo
• Image ID: H8GRXC
• File size: 59.1 MB (3.4 MB Compressed download)
• Releases: Model - no | Property - no
• Dimensions: 3712 x 5568 px | 31.4 x 47.1 cm | 12.4 x 18.6 inches | 300dpi
• Date taken: 12 November 2016
• Photographer: Steve Davey

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Taunggyi, Myanmar. 12 November 2016. A large basket of fireworks accidentally dropped from an ascending balloon into the watching crowd this evening at the Taunggyi Balloon Festival, causing a massive explosion, that had most people scattering although some still celebrated as the sparks rained down on them. It is not known if there were any serious casualties but the festival continued unabated. The Taunggyi Balloon Festival runs for a week, culminating on the 14 November – Full Moon Day. In the middle of a sprawling fairground a series of decorated paper balloons are inflated and then filled with hot air by burning bamboo poles. Vast baskets of fireworks are fixed to the balloon which is then released into the night sky, spewing complex patterns of fireworks as it disappears into the night sky. Injuries are common as the sparks and even rockets fall into the crowd. Credit: Charlie Stevens/Alamy Live News