Shocking moment fireworks malfunction and fly into crowd at 4th of July event at Utah stadium

Multiple injuries have been reported after a fireworks display malfunctioned in Utah and was fired into a crowd at a Fourth of July celebration.

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

Provo Police Department spokeswoman Janna-Lee Holland told the local TV station that the fireworks malfunctioned just after a jet flew over them Thursday.

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

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

One participant was seriously injured after being struck in the face and was taken to the hospital by ambulance, Utah State Police and Provo police told KSL.

Footage from the scene showed at least two fireworks hitting the stands and two others hitting performers on the pitch of the football stadium. The event was halted while emergency services responded.

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

A small fire broke out in the stands, but it was later extinguished. Attendees told ABC4 the show was delayed 10 to 15 minutes while medical personnel responded before the event resumed shortly before 9 p.m.

The event was part of the Freedom Festival, and organizers told KUTV that “safety is of the utmost importance to us. All fireworks are carefully checked before the show and were rechecked after the incident.”

They added: “Our thoughts are with those affected by the incident and we are reaching out to ensure they are okay.”