"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."
Multiple people were injured when fireworks shot into a crowd at a packed stadium during the annual Freedom Festival in Provo, Utah on July 4, 2024. Brooke Morrill via Storyful
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.
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.
Multiple people were injured when fireworks shot into a crowd at a packed stadium during the annual Freedom Festival in Provo, Utah on July 4, 2024. Brooke Morrill via Storyful Brooke Morrill via Storyful
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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.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
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