A screenshot from a video shows pyrotechnic rounds from the ceremonial cannons at the Hue Flag Tower in Hue City, central Vietnam falling directly into the area where the audience was watching below, causing panic among many spectators.
On Sunday, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center issued a formal apology to the public and visitors following the incident.
The ceremonial cannon firing was held as part of the Reunification Day (April 30) and International Workers’ Day (May 1) holiday celebrations, drawing hundreds of spectators to the Phu Van Lau area beneath the Hue Flag Tower.
However, when the cannons were fired, a number of the pyrotechnic shots malfunctioned and dropped directly into the crowd.
The falling red flares startled many, prompting people to flee in panic.
A screenshot from a video shows the ceremonial cannon firing performance experiencing a technical error, causing misfired rounds to fall directly into the audience area on the evening of May 3, 2025.
Videos of the incident were widely shared on social media, with many commenters criticizing the organizers for poor preparation and allowing such a serious incident to occur.
This was not the first disappointing cannon display.
On the evening of April 26, a similar event at the Hue Flag Tower left many underwhelmed due to its brevity, with only a few shots fired.
Hoang Viet Trung, director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, acknowledged the center's shortcomings in organizing the May 3 cannon demonstration.
He explained that the center aimed to create a more engaging and environmentally-friendly experience by replacing the old oil-fueled cannons with new ones that produce neither smoke nor dust.
The ceremonial cannon firing performance in Hue City was organized as a tourist attraction. Photo: Tran Thien / Tuoi Tre
However, during the execution, a technical error occurred due to insufficient quality control.
Some of the pyrotechnic rounds used in the display were damp and failed to ignite properly, falling into the crowd instead of burning out in the sky.
Additionally, the calculations regarding firing range and audience placement were not adequately planned.
The center is committed to thoroughly reviewing the entire operation process, working closely with technical partners, and enhancing measures to ensure the highest level of safety in future performances, Trung stated.
Pyrotechnic rounds from the ceremonial cannons at the Hue Flag Tower in Hue City, central Vietnam fell directly into the area where the audience was standing.
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