Utah Fireworks Injure Several After Misfire During Fourth of July Celebration

A night meant to celebrate America's Independence Day took a frightening turn when stray fireworks injured several people in Provo, Utah.

The incident occurred Thursday evening during the America's Freedom Festival at LaVell Edwards Stadium on the campus of Brigham Young University.

Headlined by the Jonas Brothers, the Fourth of July celebration saw fireworks misfire into the stands, causing panic and injuries, according to CNN.

Videos on social media captured the chaotic scene as fireworks illuminated the sky and errant sparks landed in the field and stands, where attendees were enjoying the show.

Some of the fireworks landed among a group of dancers or cheerleaders on the field and even bounced into the crowd, leaving smoke trails behind.

This was one of several fireworks-related accidents on the Fourth of July celebration.

In Chicago, a 34-year-old man was killed while handling fireworks.

In Miami Gardens, Florida, a 17-year-old suffered severe facial injuries and brain bleeding from a fireworks explosion.

Several other minors were injured in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

A Night to Remember

Derek Blodgett and his family attended the Jonas Brothers concert at LaVell Edwards Stadium, eagerly anticipating the Utah fireworks show during the Fourth of July celebration.

The Independence Day event began with a military jet flyover at 8:40 PM but turned disastrous when three rogue fireworks veered into the crowd.

One firework landed two rows behind Blodgett, injuring a man's neck and causing him to pass out, leading to panic.

Off-duty doctors provided aid until paramedics arrived within 5 to 10 minutes, The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Provo City spokesperson Nicole Martin said officials are investigating the mishap.

At least one person was hospitalized, with several others injured.

The exact number and severity of injuries are still being verified. Intermountain Health did not disclose the number of patients treated.

America's Freedom Festival, the show's organizer, stressed that all pyrotechnics were thoroughly checked before and after the incident.

"Safety is of utmost importance," they stated, expressing concern for those impacted.

Provo Fire and Rescue also highlighted their preparedness and rapid response.

Blodgett described how stadium officials directed injured attendees to the office.

Despite the chaos, Blodgett's family stayed for the concert, though they remained anxious.

"When the actual fireworks show started, our whole section was still freaked out," he said.

Concert Resumes Amid Concerns

The Jonas Brothers resumed their Independence Day concert around 9 PM after a brief pause, finishing without further incidents.

The earlier fireworks mishap left many attendees shaken, Fox News noted.

Provo Police confirmed the incident occurred post-flyover, with exact injuries still unknown.

Videos show Utah fireworks shooting horizontally into the crowd, prompting calls for help.

Freedom Festival organizers emphasized rigorous pre- and post-show fireworks checks, stressing their commitment to safety and support for those affected.

Despite the scare, the concert concluded without further issues, highlighting the need for strict safety measures at large events.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

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