PROVO, Utah (NEWSnet/AP) — Six people were hospitalized after malfunctioning fireworks went into the stands at a crowded Utah football stadium during a Fourth of July celebration, according to authorities and the event organizer.
The accident occurred during the opening ceremonies of the Stadium of Fire show, a flagship event at Provo’s annual Freedom Festival at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Brigham Young University.
[Download the NEWSnet App for Your Phone]
Organizers halted the show for about 15 minutes while injured audience members received medical attention, said a Freedom Festival spokesperson.
The number struck by fireworks and the severity of their injuries was not immediately known.
The cause of the mishap — which involved fireworks shot off inside the stadium — is under investigation by local authorities.
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. About 45,000 people attended the sold-out show, officials said.
The event resumed under approval from the Provo fire marshal after the fireworks had been inspected following the accident, a BYU police department spokesperson said.
Follow NEWSnet on Facebook and X platform to get our headlines in your social feeds.
Copyright 2024 NEWSnet and The Associated Press. All rights reserved.