Twenty-eight people hurt in Spanish fireworks accident

Tuesday 14 August 2012 10:22 BST

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.

Twenty-eight people were injured when a rogue firework accidentally set off thousands of others in a Spanish church bell tower, raining sparks and burning material on people gathered for a festival below.

A spokeswoman for Elche Town Hall in eastern Spain said the church fireworks were covered by a protective blanket and in a pack designed to shoot mini-rockets some 328 yards (300m) into the air before exploding.

But a firework fired from elsewhere landed on the pack, igniting the fuses minutes before the scheduled midnight launch.

The spokeswoman said three firework operators were admitted to hospital suffering serious burns while 25 people were treated for minor injuries.

Join our commenting forum

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

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Twenty-eight people hurt in Spanish fireworks accident

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering