A boat launching fireworks caught fire, injuring a worker in Japan.

Police responded to reports of a barge fire during the Minato Mirai Smart Festival 2025 fireworks display in the Minato Mirai district of Yokohama on August 4.

Upon arrival, police, fire crews, and coast guard personnel rescued all five workers who had been forced to jump into the sea. One worker sustained minor injuries.

Footage shows flames engulfing the vessel, while the colourful aerial fireworks continued in the background around 8:30 pm.

Authorities confirmed that eight barges were involved in the display, two of which caught fire.

The festival's executive committee said: 'We sincerely apologise for the fire accident that forced the event to be cancelled midway. As the executive committee that organised the fireworks display, we will first thoroughly investigate the cause.'

The Minato Mirai Smart Festival has been held annually since 2018 in Yokohama's Minato Mirai district. It is organised by local companies, Yokohama City, and partners to promote sustainability and innovation. The festival's highlight is a fireworks show featuring around 20,000 fireworks launched in 25 minutes, synchronised with music.