Fireworks spray into Utah stadium, injuring multiple people, before Jonas Brothers show
Fireworks shot into a crowd at an annual Fourth of July celebration in Utah and injured multiple people on Thursday inside a packed university stadium, city officials and event organizers are reporting.
The "firework malfunction" took place during the opening ceremonies of the Stadium of Fire event at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, a city about 45 miles south of Salt Lake City, local authorities said.
"Safety is of the utmost importance to us.," event organizers posted on X Thursday night. "All pyrotechnics at Stadium of Fire are thoroughly checked before the show, and were rechecked after tonight’s incident. Our thoughts are with those who were impacted, and we are following up with them to make sure they are okay."
According to a news release from Provo Fire & Rescue, at 8:47 p.m. firefighters, along with Brigham Young University paramedics responded to assist the injured due to a "fireworks malfunction."
Provo Police Department spokesperson Janna-Lee Holland said the incident occurred just after a jet flyover, local KUTV-TV reported.
Holland said fireworks "shot into the stands and injured multiple people," the outlet reported, sending some to hospitals.
From Illinois to Utah: July 4th firework mishaps claimed lives and injured dozens
At least one person suffered serious injuries after being struck in face
Officials have not released the number of people hurt or the severity of their injuries.
According to KSL-TV, one person suffered serious injuries after being struck in the face. According to the outlet, the fireworks show stopped for a brief period while the injured were taken to a hospital.
USA TODAY has reached out to event organizers for more information.
Safety is of the utmost importance to us. All pyrotechnics at Stadium of Fire are thoroughly checked before the show, and were rechecked after tonight’s incident. Our thoughts are with those who were impacted, and we are following up with them to make sure they are okay.
— Freedom Festival (@FreedomFest) July 5, 2024
Jonas Brothers headlined Utah Fourth of July event
The 2024 show featured the Jonas Brothers, according to organizers website
Video circulating on X shot by someone in the crowd shows fireworks blasting into the air above the stadium, and at least two of them shoot into the stands.
July 4th Fireworks Mishap:
- Several people were injured during the opening ceremonies of the Stadium of Fire event at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah.
- Spokesperson Janna-Lee Holland with the Provo Police Department reported that the incident occurred just after the… pic.twitter.com/CIHYZDHwc0— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) July 5, 2024
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fireworks shoot into Jonas Brothers crowd at Provo, Utah stadium
