GROVETON — Three people, including a young teenager, were injured Friday when fireworks inadvertently were fired into the gathered spectators.
The three victims were treated at the scene, and one was transported via ambulance to a nearby care facility.
Sheriff Woody Wallace said the incident is being investigated by the State Fire Marshal’s Office, which is required by law.
Monica Barringer, president of the Groveton Community Association which put on the event, said that the pyrotechnic operator, Danny Robison, lit the firework and stepped back; the first shot went into the air as it should have, but the recoil from that shot sent the box about 1-2 feet into the air, which tipped the box on its side.
This particular firework, the "Kabuki," shoots a total of 12 shots.
A shot went across the pond and into the crowd, and Robison went to set the box upright, but before he could two more shots had been fired into the crowd. Once the box was repositioned, the remaining shots went into the ground.
Barringer said she was assured that all of the necessary equipment for the firework show was in place and in good working condition.
“I feel like he took all precautions, and he did follow proper safety protocols,” she said. “I did not have any concerns or doubts that he was able and competent to do the job. And he is a volunteer firefighter, so I had no issues at all with him being able to perform the job.”
One of the adult victims suffered a burn on a knee and is doing well, Barringer said; no information was immediately available on the second adult victim. The 13-year-old victim was struck in the face near her eye and suffered burning and some pain.
Barringer said she is so sorry that this happened.
“I have seen so many comments online about what happened, and I assure you that no one is more hurt or devastated than I am,” she said. “It truly is heartbreaking when I read the comments from mothers who are saying how their children are now scared of fireworks or traumatized over what happened. My heart is heavy knowing that there are babies out there who are going to be fearful of fireworks because of what happened. I wish I could change that for them because I would.”
Barringer reiterated that this was an accident, and if she could have prevented this, it never would have happened.
I had a great firework show planned, with a great finale, and I wish I could have delivered that show to everyone, but it just didn't work out that way,” she said. “Please keep those that were injured in your prayers and try to find it in your hearts to move past this.”
Barringer said she has spoken to local officials about changes that will be made to better protect residents in the future, such as establishing a safe zone perimeter that no one will be allowed to enter while the fireworks are being lit.
“This may cause us to consider a different location for the fireworks show but that will be decided on at a later date,” she said.
