At an Independence Day celebration on the campus of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, a firework accidentally fell into the crowd during the playing of the national anthem, injuring several people, one of them seriously.
Six people were taken to hospital after out-of-control fireworks struck attendees at a Stadium of Fire event at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Thursday. officials told ABC4.
Stadium of Fire is an annual Independence Day music festival held at BYU’s football stadium, and this year the Jonas Brothers will be headlining the festival.
According to Utah State Police and Provo Police, a spectator was struck in the face by a firework and suffered serious injuries. He told KSL.
The fireworks began after “The Star-Spangled Banner” was played and four F-35 fighter jets from Hill Air Force Base in Utah flew overhead.
As smoke rose from the fireworks site, hundreds of people waved and shouted for medical attention for injured spectators, the media reported.
Videos posted on social media showed bullets spinning out of control from above the stadium’s end zone seats before landing on the stands and on the field.
One of the fireworks fell onto the field, missing a cheerleader by inches. Record one video.
in Another video, Two fireworks blasted into the bystanders’ direction, landing in nearly the same spot.
The extent of the injuries was not immediately known.
The show was briefly stopped so medical personnel could treat injured audience members, but resumed around 9pm.
America’s Freedom Festival, the organization that puts on the “Stadium of Fire” show, said it had carried out safety inspections before and after the horrific incident.
“Safety is of the utmost importance to us. All fireworks at the Stadium of Fire are thoroughly checked prior to each show and have been checked again following tonight’s incident,” the group’s Facebook post read.
“Our hearts go out to those affected and we are following up to ensure they are safe.”
The show was briefly stopped so medical personnel could treat injured audience members, but resumed around 9pm.
After a postponement, the Jonas Brothers finally took to the stage.
