Fireworks explode in a crowd injuring several people at bonfire event
Attendees were left shocked after a firework shot into the crowd at the event in Staffordshire.
This is the moment fireworks exploded in a crowd at a bonfire event.
Attendees were left shocked after a firework shot into the crowd at the event in Staffordshire on Friday evening.
Around 3,000 people were estimated to have witnessed the display at Stone SP Cricket Club, with one capturing video of the screams of panic heard from the crowd.
The incident at Fireworks Extravaganza: The Sky’s the Limit! event reportedly saw at least six people hit by fireworks, including children.
One woman said: "My son took some of a rogue firework to the chin. He's five.
"He was terrified. Such a shame. Can't fault the first aiders. I can't believe they carried on either."
After a brief pause to make an announcement requesting first aid, half the crowd had walked out.
St John's Ambulance was present during the event and West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed it was not called to the incident.
'All you could hear was screaming'
An onlooker who filmed the incident said: "I saw something hit the floor and had this instinctive feeling something wasn't going to go right.
"All you could hear was screaming after that.
"After it happened, everything froze. We didn't know what was going on.
"Half the crowd left. But then the fireworks started going off again!
"We thought 'how can they continue with the display after what happened' and we took the kids and left."
StokeonTrentLive reporter Flora Byatt attended the event with her family and said a call had been made for first raiders.
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She added: "A firework went off into the crowd and a load of people ran away. I heard an announcement made that they were asking for a first aider and I was told that six people were hit by fireworks. The fireworks later resumed."
Other visitors also took to social media to express their horror at the events.
Another said: "It was horrible, we left straight after that happened."
While another added: "We left after a stray firework flew past my son and nephews face we grabbed them and left."
Yahoo News UK has contacted Stone Swynnerton Park Cricket Club and firework managers Monumental Fireworks for comment.
Staffordshire Police did not attend the incident.
Safety tips for fireworks displays
London’s Redbridge Council advises people to attend an organised display instead of holding one themselves as it can be risky and dangerous.
If you still decide to hold your own display, make sure to give your neighbours and community plenty of notice so that they can be prepared. This will help to avoid disturbing them and causing any inconvenience.
When it comes to buying fireworks, you should purchase them from a registered retailer and ensure that they carry the CE mark which gives you the assurance they have been tested.
It is also worth considering using low-noise fireworks, as they can reduce the stress caused by loud fireworks on animals and people.