DALLAS — About 40 people attending a motivational seminar in Dallas suffered burns to their legs and feet when they tried to walk across hot coals during the event.
An estimated 7,000 people walked across the coals at the Tony Robbins “Unleashing the Power Within” conference. Five of the victims were hospitalized.
Conference volunteers told WFAA that walking on hot coals has become a regular activity at Tony Robbins seminars across the world.
Witnesses told the station some people were distracted while walking across the coals.
“From my observation, there was someone in front of us and someone behind us on their cell phone, taking selfies and taking pictures,” said Jacqueline Luxemberg, who completed the fire walk. “[She asked others] to video record for her, so I think that that has a lot to do with it.”
Dallas Fire and Rescue issued the following statement about the incident:
“On Thursday, just after 23:00 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas Fire-Rescue assigned multiple resources to an event which resulted in an unknown number of “burn victims”.
Apparently, as part of a motivational event being held at the location, several people attempted to walk across hot coals. As a result, a large number of these people sustained burn injuries to their feet and lower extremities.
As many as 5 additional rescue units and two EMS Supervisors, among other resources, we’re assigned to help manage the situation. In addition, a DART bus was requested to help at least hold some of the, approximate 30-40, patients who were being evaluated. The severity of the injuries were unknown, but most people elected not to be taken to the hospital. However, 5 people were taken to a local hospital, by DFR, for evaluation of their injuries.”
