This is the unlucky moment a Chinese lantern launched into the air became stuck in a tree and burst into flames.

Ryan Miguel Altura made a wish before releasing his paper light - only to see it become entangled in the branches in New Taipei, Taiwan.

Footage shows the white-and-red paper shell engulfed in flames as the fire spread on August 22.

Onlookers can be heard gasping as the lantern disintegrated. The blaze did not spread beyond the tree and the flames were quickly put out by the wind.

Ryan said: 'I thought my wish could come true. I paid 400 NTD (9.71 GBP) for this. What a waste.'

Chinese lanterns are traditionally believed to carry wishes and prayers to heaven. People often write hopes for wealth, health, or success on the lanterns before releasing them.