Dozens suffered burn injuries Thursday night in Texas after walking across hot coals as part of a self-help program put on by celebrity motivational speaker Tony Robbins, according to Dallas authorities.
“Unleash the Power Within,” a three-and-a-half-day event with Robbins held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, promised to help participants “achieve your goals and improve the quality of your life,” according to Robbins’ website.
One method of self-improvement on the schedule for Thursday evening was to “storm across a bed of hot coals” in order to “overcome the unconscious fears that are holding you back,” the website stated. “Once you start doing what you thought was impossible, you’ll conquer the other fires of your life with ease.” The event schedule has since been removed from the website.
At least five people ended up hospitalized, according to Dallas Fire-Rescue (DFR).
In total, approximately 30 to 40 people were evaluated at the convention center for minor burn injuries and as many as five rescue units and two EMS supervisors were assigned to help manage the situation, Jason Evans, a spokesman for the DFR, said in a statement.
“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,” Evans said in a statement.
Jacqueline Luxemberg, a participant, told WFAA-TV that many people took selfies and pictures while storming across the bed of hot coals. She speculated that that may have been why so many suffered burns.