Fireworks malfunction at Utah’s Stadium of Fire injures several attendees during the July 4th celebration at Brigham Young University, featuring a performance by the Jonas Brothers.
Utah, Bollywood Fever: A fireworks malfunction at the Stadium of Fire event in Utah resulted in one person being struck in the face and multiple others injured during a July 4th celebration at Brigham Young University. The incident occurred during a festival that featured a performance by the Jonas Brothers.
Videos posted on social media captured the chaotic scene as fireworks were accidentally launched into the crowd during an F-35 fighter jet flyover amid a flag ceremony. Several pyrotechnics misfired, with at least two shooting into the field where performers were stationed and two others landing among the east stand spectators. The event had drawn a crowd of approximately 50,000 people.
The celebrations were halted for 20 minutes while the injured received medical attention, with some rushed to local hospitals. Additional aircraft flyovers were scheduled but were delayed due to the incident.
KSL-TV reported that a person was seriously injured after being struck in the face by a firework and taken from the scene. The exact number and severity of the injuries were not immediately clear, according to Provo Police Department spokesperson Janna-Lee Holland. ABC Utah confirmed that six individuals were transported to the hospital.
The Stadium of Fire is an annual event held at LaVell Edwards Stadium at BYU. Witnesses reported a small fire in the stands caused by the errant fireworks, which was quickly extinguished.
The show resumed around 9 PM local time, following a brief stoppage for safety checks. According to the event’s program, the fighter jet flyover occurred at 8:39 PM.
“Safety is of the utmost 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 stated. “Our thoughts are with those who were impacted, and we are following up with them to ensure they are okay.”
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