Exploding balloons injure dozens in China

BEIJING - Hundreds of hydrogen balloons exploded as they were being handed out to students at a Chinese sports meeting, injuring more than 70, Xinhua news agency said.

The accident happened on Sunday when the 1500 balloons were being distributed to students at the opening of the sports meet at the Lanzhou Electric Power School in Lanzhou, capital of the northwestern province of Gansu, Xinhua said.

The injured all suffered burns, it said, but none was life-threatening. It did not give details.

- REUTERS