This is the moment flames engulfed a bar in the Greek capital of Athens, ignited by a set of sparklers atop a birthday cake.
What was meant to be a joyous occasion turned into tragedy after the fire broke out in the upscale neighbourhood of Pangrati, leaving at least people injured.
Footage shared on TikTok shows Christmas decoration hanging from the ceiling being set alight as a man holding the cake with the fountain candle lifts it above his head while dancing.
As soon as people realise that flames are spreading above their heads, they all rush to find a way to escape.
The man holding the cake – believed to be an employee of the bar – is seen running with the cake outside to avoid more damage.
Screams can be heard in the background as the decoration plummets from the ceiling right on top of their heads.
Some people even shatter the bar’s windows to flee the horror as staff of the bar attempt to extinguish the flames.
The incident happened shortly before 11pm Sunday evening, prompting a number of warnings ahead of the festive period.
In the UK, the London Fire Brigade has urged people to attend organised fireworks displays instead of hosting their own, following a six-year high in emergency calls during last year’s fireworks season.
In 2023, more than 2,000 emergency calls were made on Diwali, Halloween and Fireworks Night – a 13% increase on the previous year.
Bonfire Night alone saw a 14 per cent spike in calls, making it the busiest for the Brigade since 2016.
Diwali also recorded the highest number of 999 calls in 14 years.
Deputy assistant commissioner for control, Joanne Smith, said: ‘The period around Diwali, Halloween and Bonfire Night is always traditionally busy for us in Control, but last year’s surge was unprecedented.’
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