Simi Valley 4th July firework celebrations turned to disaster as fireworks exploded into the crowd. Some reports say the staging holding the display collapsed, others say the fireworks were set off by accident, shooting burning darts of fire into the audience. People ran for cover and paramedics attended the scene quickly. Investigations continue but foul play is not suspected.
An estimated 10,000 people were watching the event, following appeals to attend professional pyrotechnic displays rather than light fireworks of their own, for safety reasons.
16-year-old Josh Antonucci, was in a large group of spectators about 500 feet from the fireworks stand, close enough to see part of the staging area tip over and see fireworks begin shooting into the crowd.
Antonucci turned to run and a projectile struck him in the back. “It felt like a punch,” he said. “I knew I just had to get away.”
The Independence Day celebration took place at the Rancho Santa Susana Community Centre and Park in Simi Valley, California, on Thursday. 36 people were reported injured, with at least 20 requiring hospital treatment.