Balloon fire injures 3 during function at pvt univ in Bareilly

Bareilly: Three people were injured after a decorative balloon caught fire and burst during a programme at Invertis University, owned by BJP mayor Umesh Gautam, on Wednesday. More than a dozen people were on the stage when the incident happened.The incident happened on the university's main stage along the national highway under Bithri Chainpur police station during the inauguration of the annual carnival ‘Invarsia', eyewitnesses said.The balloons were being released as part of the celebrations when one suddenly ignited, causing flames to erupt briefly on the stage. The fire led to a momentary stampede-like situation as people rushed away from the area. A video of the incident surfaced on social media.There were conflicting accounts about the number of those injured. Some students said a female student and two security guards suffered minor injuries, while other sources claimed four students sustained slight burns.However, university authorities denied any serious injuries to anyone. Dean and university spokesperson Rajesh Sharma said all students were safe and that no injuries were officially recorded. TOI tried to contact Umesh Gautam and the university's pro-chancellor, Parth Gautam, but they could not be reached.Police said the situation was quickly brought under control and no further action was required.