Video from Thursday's Richmond Flying Squirrels in Virginia game shows fireworks shooting across the field and into the stands during a malfunction.
The video, shared with the Scripps News Group by Nikkilas Walker, shows lines of post-game fireworks shooting across the field at CarMax Park, with one sending sparks flying into the stands.
No one was seriously injured as a result of the malfunction, according to a spokesperson for the team. They added that the Richmond Fire Department responded to the incident.
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"The safety of our guests and staff is paramount to us," the spokesperson said. "The team is working with the Pyro Shows, tonight's dually licensed and insured vendor, to gather information on what caused the malfunction and to ensure that a mishap like this does not happen again."
Alyssa Durden was at the Flying Squirrels game with her family and recorded the incident on her phone.
"We were watching from the outfield with our kids, just enjoying the whole display, when initially we thought that they were using some sort of new ground-level firework or something like that. Once we saw it hit the bullpen and pop up into the stands, we realized some of the mortars must have fallen over. Our kids were understandably scared. Thankfully, no one was hurt," she said.
Pyro Shows provided the statement below, confirming a malfunction of pyrotechnics.
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Pyro Shows had a malfunction of pyrotechnic product at the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball game tonight. Our technicians followed company protocol and immediately terminated the fireworks show. We are actively investigating the root cause of the malfunction. We will be working hand-in-hand with the fire department and safety officials to determine the root cause of the malfunction.
Pyro Shows sincerely apologizes to all the fans and families in attendance during this distressing event. We extend our deepest apologies to the Flying Squirrels organization to include management, players, and staff for this unfortunate incident.
Safety has been the cornerstone of our organization for over 50 years. We will determine the root cause of this incident and make the appropriate corrections to ensure this does not happen again.
