A fireworks display took a terrifying turn on Saturday after rockets began firing horizontally into the crowd and exploding among startled onlookers at a fundraising event in Tasmania.
Advertised as a “fantastic community night” by event organiser Craig Walker in an AI-generated digital flyer, the fireworks display was meant to be the headline event of a fundraiser for the Claremont Junior Football Club.
Footage of the incident first published by Pulse Tasmania shows dozens of locals gathered around a large bonfire as rockets from the fireworks begin shooting horizontally into the crowd.
In one piece of footage, a lit firework lands at the feet of a handful of people before it explodes in a brilliant flash of white light as others are heard screaming.
A WorkSafe Tasmania spokesman said the regulator had been made aware of the incident and was “undertaking inquiries”.
“Type 2 fireworks permit holders are subject to a range of permit conditions that apply when using fireworks. A permit holder who contravenes a condition of a permit may be issued with an infringement notice of up to $2050 or, in serious cases, a fine following prosecution of up to $10,250,” the spokesman said.
Tasmania Police said it was also aware of the incident, but “no formal complaints” had been made.
No ambulances were called to the scene and Tasmania Health said nobody had been hospitalised.
The event was approved along with 610 other fireworks displays across the state as part of Tasmania’s annual Cracker Night celebrations.
To comply with their permits, holders must set off fireworks between 7pm and 8.30pm on properties at least 1000sq m in size.
