Panic at celebrations in Spain as fireworks explode among crowd, injuring at least 50 people

Celebrations in Noáin, in northern Spain, descended into panic after several fireworks exploded toward the crowd, leaving at least 50 people injured. Authorities said three of them were hospitalized with burns.

The incident occurred at midday in the town, which is located in the Navarre region near Pamplona. At the time, a ceremony marking the opening of the celebrations for Saint Michael, the town’s patron saint, was taking place.

Authorities said it was suspected that sparks from the first firework set off others, which then exploded among the people gathered in the square.

The regional government’s Department of Health reported that three men, aged 41, 53 and 54 respectively, were taken to hospital for medical treatment for burns.

Another 47 people received first aid at the local health center, mostly for ear pain and minor burns.

Footage broadcast by Spanish television shows participants running away from the town hall square as fireworks exploded among them. In keeping with tradition, those present were dressed in white and wore red scarves.