An Australian family celebrating a 70th birthday in Bali found themselves at the center of a major fire that destroyed the iconic Chez Gado-Gado restaurant in Seminyak, leading to the seizure of passports by Indonesian authorities. The incident occurred last Sunday evening when balloons, purchased for the celebration, reportedly ignited.
Caitlin Speedy, 35, stated that she had bought balloons from a local vendor for her mother's birthday party. The situation escalated rapidly when restaurant staff attempted to light sparklers, and the balloons caught fire, quickly engulfing the venue. "I have no idea why they exploded, it just went up," Speedy told 7News. "I just looked at my family and said, 'I've got to go back' and I ran straight through. I didn't want anyone to die."
Indonesian authorities suspect the balloons were filled with hydrogen, a highly flammable gas, rather than the non-flammable helium typically used in Australia. Speedy and her partner, Jye Wals, had their passports confiscated. Although they were interviewed as witnesses, they reported feeling "like criminals."
Speedy's parents and 17-year-old son attempted to depart Indonesia on Sunday but were stopped at the airport and prevented from leaving the country. Wals stated that the family were "essentially witnesses" and had done nothing wrong, expressing disbelief at their detainment.
No serious injuries were reported in the fire. Indonesian police are continuing their investigation into the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the blaze. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been contacted for comment.
