A launch barge caught fire during the Minato Mirai Smart Festival 2025 in Yokohama’s Naka Ward just before 8:00 p.m. local time, leading to the cancellation of the fireworks show and a swift rescue operation.

The Japan Coast Guard confirmed that five crew members escaped by jumping into the sea and were safely rescued.

Footage from X user あべむつき@ラッキーマイン shows the scene after the blaze. The user said: “The Minatomirai fireworks can be seen from my house, but they were canceled due to a fire breaking out, and this is how it looks now. I sincerely hope there are no casualties.”

Videos from eyewitnesses and NHK revealed flames engulfing the barge as late as 8:30 p.m., with fireworks on board sporadically igniting and exploding.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the fire’s cause and are reviewing safety measures.

The Minato Mirai Smart Festival is a popular summer event that attracts large crowds every year.