Richmond
Flying Squirrels make changes after 'wild' fireworks malfunction at CarMax Park
RICHMOND, Va. — Fireworks malfunctioned during a post-game show at a Richmond Flying Squirrels game Thursday, sending sparks flying into the stands at CarMax Park.
Video shared with CBS 6 by Nikkilas Walker shows lines of fireworks shooting across the field, with at least one sending sparks into the stands.
No one was seriously injured, according to a team spokesperson, who said the Richmond Fire Department responded to the incident.
Alyssa Durden was at the 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," Durden said.
READ MORE: Flying Squirrels make changes after 'wild' fireworks malfunction at CarMax Park
The Flying Squirrels said they are working with the fireworks vendor, Pyro Shows, to determine what caused the malfunction.
"The safety of our guests and staff is paramount to us," the team 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."
Pyro Shows confirmed the malfunction in a statement, saying its technicians followed company protocol and immediately terminated the 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," the statement said.
Pyro Shows also issued an apology to fans and the Flying Squirrels organization.
"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," the statement said. "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."
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.
Were you at the game? Share your story and video with the CBS 6 Newsroom.
Fireworks fan recorded entire CarMax Park malfunction and 'thought it was part of the show'
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