PROVO, Utah — Several people were injured when fireworks misfired and struck members of the audience inside a football stadium during a Fourth of July celebration in Utah, police said.
The accident occurred during the opening ceremonies of the Stadium of Fire event at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, which is the campus football stadium of Brigham Young University, KUTV-TV reported.
The exact number and severity of injuries at the annual holiday event was not immediately available, Provo Police Department spokesperson Janna-Lee Holland said.
Videos posted on social media show individual fireworks veering off from the cluster sent into the sky over the field and landing among rows of spectators in the stands at the outdoor arena.
After a short delay the BYU Police Department allowed organizers to proceed with the event, which featured the Jonas Brothers, KUTV reported.
The Provo Police Department and BYU did not immediately respond to emails from The Associated Press seeking more information.
On July 4th, a fireworks malfunction at a stadium in Utah resulted in multiple injuries, according to a recent report. The incident occurred during a Fourth of July celebration at the stadium, where spectators had gathered to watch a fireworks display.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fireworks malfunctioned shortly after the display began, causing several fireworks to explode prematurely and shoot off in different directions. This unexpected turn of events led to chaos and panic among the crowd, as people scrambled to get out of harm’s way.
Emergency services were called to the scene to attend to the injured individuals, who suffered burns, cuts, and other injuries as a result of the malfunction. Several people were taken to nearby hospitals for further treatment, while others were treated on-site by medical personnel.
The cause of the fireworks malfunction is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that it may have been due to a technical error or malfunction in the fireworks themselves. The company responsible for the fireworks display has issued a statement expressing their regret over the incident and stating that they are cooperating fully with authorities to determine the cause of the malfunction.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with fireworks displays, especially when safety protocols are not followed or equipment malfunctions occur. It also highlights the importance of having trained professionals handle fireworks displays to ensure the safety of both spectators and participants.
In light of this incident, it is crucial for event organizers and fireworks display companies to review and reinforce safety protocols to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. Additionally, spectators should always exercise caution and follow instructions given by event organizers during fireworks displays to minimize the risk of injury.
As authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fireworks malfunction at the Utah stadium on July 4th, it is hoped that lessons will be learned and steps will be taken to prevent such incidents from occurring again in the future. The safety and well-being of all individuals attending public events should always be a top priority, and measures must be put in place to ensure that such events are carried out safely and responsibly.
