Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Shocking moment fireworks malfunction and fly into crowd during July 4 event in Utah stadium

One attendee was severely injured after being struck in the face and was taken to hospital in an ambulance, police say

Gustaf Kilander
Friday 05 July 2024 18:01 BST
Comments
4th of July Fireworks Disaster in Utah Leads to Multiple Hospitalizations

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Multiple injuries have been reported after a fireworks display malfunctioned in Utah and fired into the crowd during a July 4 celebration.

The incident occurred at LaVell Edwards Stadium on the campus of Brigham Young University during the opening flag ceremony of the Stadium of Fire event, according to KUTV.

Provo Police Department spokesperson Janna-Lee Holland told the local TV station that the fireworks malfunctioned just after a jet flyover on Thursday.

The 2024 version of the annual Stadium of Fire Independence Day event featured the Jonas Brothers.

The fireworks erupted into the crowd and injured several people – six were taken to hospital for treatment, according to ABC4.

One attendee was severely injured after being struck in the face and was taken to hospital in an ambulance, Utah state troopers and Provo police told KSL.

Footage from the scene shows at least two fireworks striking the stands and another two hitting performers on the football stadium field. The event was paused as emergency personnel stepped in.

US: Multiple People Injured After Rogue Fireworks Shoot Into Crowd At Stadium Of Fire In Provo, Utah

Following an assessment by the Brigham Young Police Department, the event continued after a short delay.

There was a small fire in the stands, which was subsequently extinguished. Attendees told ABC4 that the show was delayed by 10 to 15 minutes as medical staff responded before the event continued shortly before 9pm.

The event was a part of the Freedom Festival, with the organizers telling KUTV that “safety is of the upmost importance to us. All pyrotechnics are thoroughly checked before the show, and were rechecked after the incident.”

They added: “Our thoughts are with those who are impacted by the incident and we are following up with them to make sure they are okay.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in