The celebration of Independence Day in California was marred by a major accident caused by fireworks malfunction, leaving at least 35 people injured, Reuters reported.
An estimated crowd of 10,000 gathered at the Rancho Santa Susana Community Park on Thursday to watch the show, but they ended up looking for cover seconds after the fireworks started.
According to the Simi Valley police, one of the potential causes is the alleged collapse of one of the launching platform. Police officers are still investigating the cause of the collapse. One of the angles being looked at is the premature explosion of one of the pyrotechnics, causing the fireworks to launch in the direction of the crowd.
"What we understand is potentially one of the launching stations fell over, resulting in ignited fireworks going into the crowd," said Simi Valley police spokesman Sergeant Tom Meyers in an interview with Reuters.
In an interview with NBC, Simi Valley Police Commander Stephanie Shannon also ruled out the possibility of foul play and was quoted as saying: "At this point there are absolutely no indications of foul play. We will try to determine to our best ability exactly what's happened."
Initial reports suggested that 28 people sustained shrapnel-wound-like injuries, but Reuters reported that at least 35 people were taken to hospital for treatments. At least four people reportedly sustained serious injuries.
The Simi Valley Hospital confirmed that they admitted 26 patients. At least 12 children were among the injured, according to hospital spokeswoman Alicia Gonzales. The number of patients includes a 17-month old child and a 71-year-old spectator.
"Injuries ranged from burns and shrapnel wounds to chest pains to trauma from being trampled by the crowd," Gonzales said. "Two people were at Simi Valley Hospital in fair condition on Friday, one person was transferred to an area hospital specializing in burns and the rest were released."
On the other hand, Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center confirmed to Reuters that seven people were treated and released from their facility, while the Providence Holy Cross Medical Center said that two people were treated in their hospital.
Bay Fireworks, who also handled the fireworks display last year, vowed to a conduct thorough and complete investigation, saying that the result of the investigation will be released to the public once available.
Another firework-related incident occured in Seattle, but it is totally unrelated to the Independence Day celebration. Illegal fireworks reportedly triggered a fire in Seattle, damaging at least 14 vessels. The Seattle Fire Department said that the fire caused $1.4 million in damage.
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