Several people have been injured after a food stall gas canister exploded at a festival in Southall, causing organisers to cancel the entire event.
Fire crews were called to the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan celebration taking place on South Road just before 1pm on Sunday, following reports of a fire at a food stand.
Terrifying video footage posted on social media shows flames engulfing a stall, as attendees scramble to toss gas canisters away from the blaze.
When a loud hissing sound is heard, people can be seen running away from the canvas stand, as police urge the crowd to move back.
Two fire engines rushed to the scene to put out the blaze, as crews removed two gas cylinders from the food stand.
Fire breaks out during Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan in Southall , London pic.twitter.com/ZpZzeLeHkO
— Angel (@AngelKaurs) April 6, 2025
Several were injured and a number of people were taken to hospital for further treatment, London Ambulance Service said.
Ealing Council made the decision to cancel the festival, which was due to end at 4pm that day, and people were urged to avoid the area.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “We were called at 12.42pm today to reports of a fire at a food stall on South Road in Southall.
“Two fire engines and a fire rescue unit attended and firefighters safely extinguished the fire.
“Crews also removed two gas cylinders, which were alight, from the scene and cooled them to an ambient temperature as a precaution, as some cylinders can explode when exposed to heat.
“Several people were treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews, with some requiring further hospital treatment.
“One fire engine remains on the scene alongside the Brigade’s fire investigation unit.”
The Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan is an annual Sikh procession celebrating Vaisakhi, which marks the birth of the Khalsa and the Sikh identity.
It is one of the largest Sikh gatherings in the UK, attracting thousands of people each year, who come to enjoy the food, music, dancing and live performances.
Ealing Council wrote on social media: “Following a fire at a food stall, people were injured and as a result a decision was made to stop the festival.
“The event, which was due to finish at 4pm, has been stopped.
“Please do not attend and avoid the area as crowds disperse.”
