Party balloons spark inferno at Bali restaurant
A popular Bali restaurant has broken its silence after a devastating fire tore through the establishment in Seminyak on Sunday.
Chez Gado Gado went up in flames just after 7.30pm, forcing diners to run for their lives.
While authorities have not yet revealed an official cause of the fire, witnesses claim a group was celebrating a birthday party when one of their balloons exploded into a “fireball”.
In the days since it was gutted by fire, the much-loved venue has come out to say it will be “unable to welcome guests for now”, with a post uploaded to its Facebook page on Tuesday stating the restaurant was “temporarily closed”.
“For now we are unable to welcome you at Chez Gado Gado, our doors and hearts remain open just down the road at our sister restaurant Cocoon Seminyak,” it said.
“Our team from Chez Gado Gado would be delighted to welcome you and serve you at Cocoon Seminyak once again with the same warm hospitality, vibrant entertainment and memorable experiences that have brought so many of us together over the years.
“Thank you for the memories. Thank you for the love. And thank you for being part of the Chaz Gado Gado family.”
Reacting to the post, people have flooded the comments with well-wishes and personal memories of frequenting the restaurant.
“We know you will come back bigger and better. Thinking of everyone that was there on that dreadful night and so glad everyone is safe,” one user commented.
Another wrote: “So many happy memories spent here sipping cocktails, watching the sunset, listening to live music and enjoying the awesome vibe. We are thinking of the owners, staff and the local area – this will have a lasting impact on so many.”
A West Australian teenager was among those injured in the blaze and was rushed to hospital with burns to his face and arms.
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman confirmed the Australian Government was aware an Australian had been hospitalised following the fire.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is aware of reports that an Australian has been hospitalised in Bali,” the spokesman said.
“We stand ready to offer consular assistance to any Australian citizen, should it be requested.”
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