Fireworks Show Malfunction: Nine Injured During Fireworks Show In Avon, Colorado


A fireworks show malfunction in Avon, Colorado, Friday night injured nine people. During the malfunction, a shell did not launch into the air like it was supposed to. Instead, the powder inside of the shell exploded causing another group of shells to fall over. Two to three shells then inadvertently launched and ended up in the crowd of people who were watching the show. First responders treated the wounded who were later treated and released with only minor burns. No one was seriously injured in the fireworks show malfunction. Jane Imber was at the fireworks show and talked to NBC News about the accident.

“There was not a lot of room in between groups of people, so when it happened no one could really get up and run. It was so scary.”

Courtney Von Der Heyde was also at the fireworks show and spoke about the accident to 7News.

“It was extremely scary. It jut blew up right in front of us. It was insane. I just wanted to grab my kid and get out of there. One of the embers or fireworks went directly to the stroller where the kids were.”

The fireworks show malfunction occurred 17 minutes into the show. After the accident, the company putting on the show did not continue with the rest of the fireworks. An investigation is now taking place in order to determine what went wrong. Greg Daly, deputy chief of the Avon police department, also commented on the incident.

“This is Avon’s 29th year of presenting one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in Colorado, and we have never had any failure in the production. It is wonderful news that the injuries were very minor.”

This annual firework show normally draws up to 20,000 people.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that 230 people on average are treated in the emergency room every day during the month of July for fireworks-related injuries. The most common body part that is injured during a fireworks accident is the hand. The least injured body part is the arm. The CPSC also lists ways that people can be safe while using fireworks.

  • Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
  • Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees — hot enough to melt some metals.
  • Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
  • Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
  • Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
  • Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
  • After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
  • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

Have you ever witnessed a fireworks show malfunction?

[Image via Boston.com]

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