What should have been a magical wedding night turned into chaos for a couple at the Palace Hotel Kristall in Ariano Irpino, Italy, on December 27, 2025. About 200 guests had gathered to celebrate the newlyweds
when a series of sparklers set off a sudden fire that engulfed the venue. The horrific incident left guests and staff running for their lives, seeking safety.
Video footage of the incident quickly circulated online, and it captured the dramatic moment after the blaze erupted. Several large sparklers, designed to shoot light fountains, were placed inside the venue. They were lit during the celebration. In the clips, the sparks hit the ceiling, and flames spread through the room in minutes. Thick black smoke filled the lobby, and guests could be heard shouting and children crying. Some recorded the chaos on their phones as they rushed to safety. One clip even shows smoke rising above a sign reading Hotel Kristall, making the fire’s scale clear.
As reported by People, the groom suffered the most severe injuries. He received second-degree burns to his hand and head while trying to put out the flames. He was hospitalised but released overnight after treatment. Several other guests experienced minor smoke inhalation, but thanks to quick evacuation and the timely response of emergency personnel, no one else was seriously hurt. The couple, residents of nearby Calitri, were left shaken, and the wedding celebration ended abruptly amid the destruction.
First Responders On The Scene
Firefighters from Ariano Irpino and Grottaminarda arrived on time to rescue the attendees. They were joined by multiple emergency vehicles and Carabinieri officers. The national police force launched an investigation into the blaze, seeking to determine exactly how the sparklers ignited such a rapid fire. The video also showed several emergency vehicles on the scene.
Hotel Owners Were Shocked
Local media outlets, including RaiNews, L’Unione Sarda and la Repubblica, reported that the hotel owners were shocked by the unprecedented incident, which caused significant damage to the building and disrupted the lives of staff and guests alike.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with indoor fireworks and pyrotechnic displays. While the couple survived physically unharmed beyond the groom’s burns, the traumatic night will be remembered for its unexpected turn from cake and dancing to fire and panic.
