At least 27 people were injured when a firework malfunctioned and flew into a crowd at the Castell de l’Olla fireworks display in Alicante, Spain, on Sunday night. Fourteen of the injured were taken to hospital, with 11 admitted to the Burn Unit, according to local reports. The incident occurred during the 40th anniversary celebration of the annual pyrotechnic festival, which used 1,500 kilograms of gunpowder for the event.
Chaos on Benidorm beach
The display took place over the beach in Benidorm on Spain’s Costa Blanca, where an estimated 100,000 people had gathered in the early hours to watch the show. Video footage shared on social media captured screams as the firework veered off course and exploded directly above spectators, sending sparks and debris onto the sand. People were seen ducking for cover, abandoning chairs, and fleeing the area in panic.
One witness described the scene: “What was supposed to be a night of partying ended in moments of real panic. The fireworks went straight towards the area where we were on the beach, and people started running. Ambulances and emergency services went to the scene. There is talk of numerous wounded.”
Emergency response and hospital admissions
Emergency services transported those with serious burns to the General University Hospital of Alicante, while others were treated at the Altea Health Centre. The Brotherhood of Castell de l’Olla, the event’s organisers, confirmed that paramedics responded quickly to the injured. In a statement, they said they had met with the Town Hall and safety commissioners, along with pyrotechnics managers, to analyse the incident.
Altea’s mayor, Diego Zaragozí, noted that some injuries occurred as people rushed to escape the scene. He explained that the malfunction happened during one of the firework’s launches from its platform, causing the shell to reach the spectators instead of exploding over the water. A full investigation is now underway to determine the exact cause of the failure.
Investigation launched
The Brotherhood of Castell de l’Olla said in a statement that they are cooperating fully with authorities. “We are working with the relevant bodies to understand what went wrong and to ensure such an incident does not happen again,” a spokesperson said. The festival, which marks its 40th anniversary this year, is known for its elaborate displays, but this year’s event ended in shock and concern for the community.
Local officials have promised a thorough review of safety protocols. Mayor Zaragozí added that the priority is to support the injured and their families. “Our thoughts are with those affected. We will do everything possible to assist them and to prevent a recurrence,” he said.
