Two dozen firewalkers treated for burns in Switzerland

A Hindu devotee walks barefoot over burning coals at a ceremony in Singapore in 2007. Keystone / How Hwee Young

Twenty-five people have been treated for burns after walking on hot coals during a private event near the city of Zurich, according to the cantonal police.

Emergency services were called to treat people for injuries at a corporate get-together on the Au peninsula on Lake Zurich on Tuesday evening, the police said in a statementExternal link.

They said 25 people were given medical treatment at the scene, and 13 of them were hospitalised with more severe injuries. Police secured evidence and started an investigation.

The Goldbach media group, which organised the event, said none of the participants were forced to walk over hot coals.

Firewalking involves walking barefoot over a bed of hot embers or stones. It is practised in many parts of the world as a rite of passage or test of strength or courage.

It is uncommon in Switzerland. The practice has reportedly also been used in corporate or team-building seminars as confidence-building exercises.