Multiple videos emerged on Thursday evening showing a fireworks display at the Stadium of Fire concert in Provo, Utah, with rogue shots heading into the audience. Reports indicated that one person was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, while others were reportedly injured. Firefighters responded quickly to reports of injuries in the crowd at LaVell Edwards Stadium, the facility for Brigham Young University. The incident occurred just after the end of the national anthem and as fighter jets flew over the stadium, with a fireworks display beginning behind the stage.
During the display, fireworks shot into the sky vertically, but stray sparks fired horizontally into the crowd near the stage. Several crowdgoers were seen waving their hands in the air in an attempt to signal officials to render help. The Freedom Festival, which organizes Stadium of Fire and other events yearly, stated that all fireworks had been thoroughly checked before the show and were checked again following the incident. They emphasized the importance of safety and expressed concern for those impacted by the incident.
After a brief pause, the concert resumed with the Jonas Brothers taking the stage around 9 p.m. There were no additional reports of mishaps following the incident. A spokesperson for the Provo Police Department indicated that the incident occurred immediately after the flyover, but the number of injuries and their severity remain unknown at the moment. Videos posted on social media showed pyrotechnics firing not only into the stands but also onto the field where people were standing or seated.
The incident at the Stadium of Fire concert sparked concern as videos circulated showing fireworks straying into the crowd, causing injuries. The swift response from firefighters and organizers to attend to those injured and ensure the safety of attendees demonstrated a commitment to prioritizing the well-being of the audience. The resumption of the concert following the incident allowed the Jonas Brothers to perform without further mishap, bringing the event to a close.
The safety protocols implemented by the organizers, including thorough checks of the fireworks before and after the show, were intended to prevent incidents such as the one that occurred at the Stadium of Fire concert. Despite the fireworks display going awry, the concert was able to proceed with minimal disruptions after the incident, allowing attendees to enjoy the performance by the Jonas Brothers. Authorities continue to investigate the incident to determine the cause and assess the extent of injuries sustained by those in the crowd.
The communal experience of attending a concert was marred by the unexpected danger posed by the stray fireworks, resulting in injuries to multiple individuals. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and security of attendees at public events, particularly those involving pyrotechnics or other potentially hazardous elements. As authorities gather more information about the incident and assess the impact on those affected, steps may be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future and enhance safety measures at events like the Stadium of Fire concert in Provo, Utah.