Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhana Raj Acharya has been discharged from hospital after sustaining burn injuries during the inauguration of the Pokhara Visit Year programme on Saturday. The event had turned tragic when a balloon burst at the inauguration, causing significant burns to Acharya’s face and left hand.

According to Dr Bishal Karki, head of the plastic surgery department at Kirtipur Hospital, Acharya’s injuries were not severe enough to cause deep tissue damage, and no issues were detected with his airways or lungs. He was discharged after doctors confirmed his condition was stable.

Pokhara Metropolis spokesperson Motilal Timilsina said that despite being discharged, Mayor Acharya will remain in Kathmandu for a week for regular observation. “After a week, he will return to Pokhara once his health permits,” he added.

Acharya was initially treated in Pokhara before being airlifted to Kathmandu for further care.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel, who was also injured in the same incident, was discharged from hospital on Monday. Both will require regular dressing for a few days as part of their recovery process.

The accident took place on Saturday when hydrogen-filled balloons exploded during the event. The mayor, along with the minister, was involved in releasing the balloons after pressing the button to digitally launch the programme.

The government has formed a probe panel to study the case as the incident has raised concerns over safety protocols at such events.