REVELLERS watched in horror as stray fireworks exploded into the crowd at s Christmas lights switch-on – with seven people injured and one rushed to hospital.
The show in Salisbury ended in disaster for organisers.
Just moments after EastEnders star Steve McFadden - who plays Phil Mitchell - turned on the lights, a firework plunged into the 15,000-strong crowd, showering them in sparks.
This video, captured by Jonathan Alvis, shows fireworks striking New Canal Street tonight.
Brett Bowles was hit on the head by a firework. He said: "I had my daughter in my arms watching the fireworks.
"The first few have gone over and it just felt like someone threw a bottle and hit me in the side of the head.
"I looked down on the floor and there were some old firework remains there and the blood was pouring down the side of my head."
Seven people, adults and children, were injured.
Among them was a young girl who suffered burns to her face.
Hannah Austin said "It wasn't just one stray firework, I was in the 'backstage' area directly in front of the Guildhall and avoided about seven coming straight down towards me.
"Luckily only one hit the audience, although this should not have happened either.
"There were cardboard tubes everywhere after the event."
It is believed the firework landed in the Queen Street area to the rear of the big screen, sending spectators screaming and running for cover.
City clerk Reg Williams said: "It's a great, great shame about what's happened.
"We want to learn exactly what's happened so we can learn for next year."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel