A person was struck in the face and multiple others were injured following a fireworks malfunction during a July 4th celebration of freedom at an event known as the Stadium of Fire in Utah.
The incident occurred on the campus of Brigham Young University during a festival that included a performance by the Jonas Brothers.
Video posted on social media shows fireworks being let off during an F-35 fighter jet flyover amid a flag ceremony which saw several of the pyrotechnics being accidentally shot into the crowd.
At least two were fired into those who were performing on the field, two others flew into the east stand landing among rows of spectators. A crowd of around 50,000 was expected for the event.
The celebrations were stopped for 20 minutes as the injured were treated with some being rushed to local hospitals. More aircraft were due to flyover before the stoppage.
At least six people were injured when fireworks were accidentally fired into the crowd during a celebration in Utah
KSL-TV reports that among those who was taken from the scene was a person who was seriously injured after being hit in the face by a firework
A fireball hurtles into the crowd causing panic in the stands
At least one of the fireworks made its way on to the field, appearing to strike a performer
KSL-TV reports that among those who was taken from the scene was a person who was seriously injured after being hit in the face by a firework.
The exact number and severity of injuries at the annual holiday event was not immediately available, Provo Police Department spokesperson Janna-Lee Holland said.
Six people were taken to the hospital, reports ABC Utah.
The Stadium of Fire is an annual event that takes place in LaVell Edwards Stadium at BYU.
The ABC Utah report says that witnesses said there had been a small fire in the stand, which was created by the errant fireworks. It was quickly extinguished.
The show got back on track around 9pm local time.
According to the show’s program, the fighter jet flyover took place at 8:39pm.
‘Safety is of the upmost importance to us. All pyrotechnics at Stadium of Fire are thoroughly checked before the show, and were rechecked after tonight’s incident,’ organizers America’s Freedom Festival said in a statement.
‘Our thoughts are with those were impacted, and we are following up with them to make sure they are okay.’