Fire dancer’s performance goes horribly wrong in front of families in Crimea as he sets himself on fire

✔ Fact Checked by TDPel News Desk

By Samantha Allen

Published: July 5, 2022 | 8:45 AM

A fire dancer suffered severe burns to his mouth and face after his performance went wrong in front of dozens of tourists, including children.

Grigory, 35, is seen on video with his act on the embankment in Feodosia, a resort in occupied Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

He twirls a stick that is ablaze at both ends in front of an assembled crowd of families and holidaymakers on a balmy summer’s night. It is a stunt he must have practiced many times.

As the Russian tries to blow a column of flame, his mouth suddenly catches fire as his kerosene dramatically ignites.

Hero spectators rush to help the stricken performer, smothering the flames with items of clothing and their bare hands

He twirls a stick that is ablaze at both ends in front of an assembled crowd of families and holidaymakers on a balmy summer's night

He puts his hand to his mouth in shock as the performance suddenly goes awry and crumples to the ground as he is engulfed in a fireball.

Hero spectators rush to help the stricken performer, smothering the flames with items of clothing and their bare hands.

Paramedics were quickly on the scene, according to reports.

The Health Ministry in Crimea said the performer was in a ‘serious but stable’ condition.

‘The victim was hospitalised at Simferopol Clinical Emergency Hospital No. 6,’ said a statement.

He suffered burns mainly to his mouth and face.

Mash news outlet reported that the problem may have been caused by poor quality kerosene used in his fire dance act.

Police are investigating the incident.

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About Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen is a seasoned journalist and senior correspondent at TDPel Media, specializing in the intersection of maternal health, clinical wellness, and public policy. With a background in investigative reporting and a passion for data-driven storytelling, Samantha has become a trusted voice for expectant mothers and healthcare advocates worldwide. Her work focuses on translating complex medical research into actionable insights, covering everything from prenatal fitness and neonatal care to the socioeconomic impacts of healthcare legislation. At TDPel Media, Samantha leads the agency's health analytics desk, ensuring that every report is grounded in accuracy, empathy, and scientific integrity. When she isn't in the newsroom, she is an advocate for community-led wellness initiatives and an avid explorer of California’s coastal trails.