A firework display in Cornwall turned into a nightmare when a rogue firework shot into the crowd, causing injuries.
The incident happened at the annual Bonfire Night celebrations at St Agnes, leaving children terrified and hiding behind buildings. Despite the chaos, organisers continued with the display, leading to criticism from attendees. Some parents reported their children suffering injuries, including singed hair and a hit hand.
The event was hosted by the popular Driftwood Spars pub and hotel near the beach, which usually attracts large crowds. While the pub received praise for its organisation, people criticised the company it hired to handle the fireworks. People took to Facebook to describe the incident as "frightening" and "scary". Driftwood Spars confirmed the incident and injuries, stating that the display was stopped immediately after the incident.
A woman who attended the display has shared a harrowing experience with Cornwall Live. She said: "Whilst I appreciate that the fireworks event is only organised by Driftwood Spars, and the overall event was well organised in terms of stewards, lost children meeting point, etc, I would ask that you (Driftwood Spars) complain to the company that were employed to run the display and ask for a full investigation to be published into the events of the display.
"We were stood in the seating area in front of the cabin when the first firework was set off. This was obviously too low and dangerous. The company unfortunately decided to continue with the display. By the time a few fireworks had been set off one went into the crowd next to us hitting at least two people that I am aware of.
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"As if this wasn't bad enough the company continued to set off fireworks after this happened despite the staff from the cabin radioing them to tell them to stop. My six-year-old God-daughter was extremely scared. Once it was apparent that more fireworks were being released after the firework hit the crowd, three of us sheltered her to maintain her safety, we were at risk but her safety was paramount, it is a shame the fireworks company didn't feel the same way.
"We managed to move through the crowd and shelter beside the cabin where others, mainly children were sheltering, all of whom were very scared, one girl was with her mum and had been hit in the face. My God-daughter has not stopped crying or shaking and it is now over 30 minutes since the event."
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed this morning that it did not attend the incident and was not called to the venue. A spokesperson for South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust confirmed it too did not attend the incident.
In a lengthy statement the venue said: "Regrettably at the firework display last night, one part of a box of fireworks misfired, and a single cell went into the crowd. There were three confirmed cases of minor burns, two of which were dealt with by experienced paramedics at the scene.
"These individuals were adult males who were told they did not require further hospital treatment. The third was a woman who was calmly looked after by her mum, who is a local nurse. She was taken to the local community hospital as a precaution and quickly discharged after being checked over and treated for minor burns. We have made efforts to speak to everyone affected this morning and are pleased to report we are aware of no serious injuries sustained as a result of the incident, and everyone is doing well.
"The single cell which caused these injuries was part of a multi firework and therefore several further cells went off shortly after the initial incident but fired correctly. This was beyond our control due to the nature of multi fireworks. As soon as the firework crew and Fire Marshal were informed via radio of the situation no further fireworks were released, as has been inaccurately suggested. The rest of the display was promptly halted, and our incident training and emergency response was put into action, with all injuries dealt with by our volunteer paramedics and first aid station on site, and no ambulances required.
"Every precaution is taken in the intensive planning behind this free community display, with thorough risk assessments and training courses undertaken, and an official Fire Marshal in attendance to oversee the event. We have off duty paramedics who volunteer their time so that the event can take place free of charge. Every year we recruit of a large number of volunteer stewards who assist with parking, crowd control and general public safety, and our staff man a lost child meeting point; in short, we try to carefully consider every eventuality.
"Nonetheless the rogue firework shocked us all, and we offer our sincere and heartfelt apologies to those with minor injuries and to everyone in the crowd for whom we understand this was a very upsetting experience. Our goal has always been for the pub to be at the heart of the community, supporting charitable causes and hosting village events such as this. We’re all extremely shaken and deeply saddened that what was intended to be a lovely village celebration ended in this way."
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