Fireworks Gone Horribly Wrong

Organizers have apologized after a firework display went horribly wrong in Edinburgh.

A rocket at the Pentland Community Centre on the November 5th display misfired and ricocheted into the remaining fireworks, setting them all off at the same time which sent the crowd fleeing. 

The community council said it was a freak accident but it would be reviewing safety procedures.

A girl suffered a burn to the side of her face and was taken to Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children.

However, no-one was seriously injured in the incident at Oxgangs Brae.

It is understood that £2,000 worth of fireworks were involved.

In a statement, Pentland Community Centre said: “The management committee of PCC would like to express our sincere apologies for any upset caused following the unfortunate incident at our annual firework display. 

“One of the rockets misfired towards the end of the display and ricocheted into the remaining undetonated fireworks, setting them off all at once.

“This was a freak accident, and most regrettable, but this is the first incident we have had in 10 years of holding this popular community event, and we extend our apologies to everyone who was alarmed.”  The statement added that safety protocols would be reviewed.

It said: “But it must be stressed that this is a well-organised event, approved by the City of Edinburgh Council and the emergency services, and it is a fact of life that sometimes unforeseen things happen, despite the best of planning and precaution.”

The next thing I heard was several bangs and then a massive explosion” says Susan Ross, a local residen

Susan Ross, a local resident at the display, said: “My friend and her daughters were standing at the side of the post office and the showers of fireworks were coming over them and they had to jump over the girls to stop the sparks landing on their jackets.

“The next thing I heard was several bangs and then a massive explosion.

“I turned around and everybody was just scattering and running across the road away from it.

“I saw people lifting buggies up off the ground because people had their brakes on the buggies and they were physically lifting their kids by the arms to get away.”

She added: “My heart was going along with everybody else. Some of the kids were crying because they did get a fright.

“I do think it should be run again next year, though.”

by Jane Barry