Overview

• The October 2 performance, “October: The Sound of Blooming Flowers,” at Liuyang’s Sky Theatre saw a combined drone and fireworks display fail, sending flames and debris toward spectators.
• Authorities created a one-mile evacuation zone and deployed extra firefighting teams to contain the situation and prevent further fires.
• Local officials have not identified a technical cause, though the Liuyang Bureau of Culture and Tourism pointed to unusually dry conditions as a potential contributor.
• No injuries were reported following the emergency response, according to statements cited in local media.
• Viral videos show crowds running for cover, with some attendees shielding themselves with chairs, fueling public criticism and renewed scrutiny of safety at large pyrotechnic events in the city.