Around 10 people were injured after a balloon containing a suspected flammable substance burst during a fire scene in a play in Bihar's Siwan district, triggering panic among spectators, officials said on Wednesday, according to news agency IANS.

The incident took place on Tuesday night in Rasulpur village, under the Barharia police station's jurisdiction, where the play was organised following Durga Puja festivities and a large crowd had gathered to watch. According to the preliminary investigation, actors were using a balloon containing a chemical substance during a scene involving fire when it suddenly burst, and the substance spilled onto spectators seated near the stage.

Local residents rushed to help and arranged transport for the injured to Barharia Referral Hospital, where they received treatment. Two of the injured were in critical condition, officials said; further details about the injured were not immediately available.

Siwan police have launched an investigation and are recording statements from villagers and the injured. A forensic team has been called to collect evidence, including samples of the chemical substance, to determine its nature. An official said an FIR will be registered based on the statements of the victims and the findings of the investigation, and district police may take action against those responsible based on the probe's findings. The incident has raised concerns among villagers about safety arrangements at performances involving fire and potentially hazardous materials.