An internal fault was to blame for a haywire fireworks display which left children “traumatised” and created panic for spectators of all ages.
A rocket flew into the crowd, which gathered in Elgin’s Cooper Park last Saturday night to watch Elgin Rotary Club’s pyrotechnics spectacle.
It is understood that several people were injured, including a young girl whose hair and head were burned, but no-one required hospital treatment.
Allegations had also been made that spectators were too close to the display, which had only been fenced off with “a thin piece of rope.”
Natalie Addicoat, who attended the display with her three children, told the Press and Journal: “The stuff from [the fireworks] was shooting straight back into the crowd.
“It even hit a few prams. Everyone started screaming and running in every direction.
“The kids were all terrified.”
Following the incident, the club confirmed it was launching an investigation with Moray Firth Fireworks, who delivered the display, into the cause of the incident.
It has denied that any safety concerns were overlooked on the night.
A spokeswoman from Elgin Rotary Club said: “After an initial assessment, it appears there was an internal fault in a cassette of the affected firework, which caused it to travel further and at
a lower angle than should have been the case.
“The operation of the display was undertaken by a professional pyrotechnics team and, prior to the event, full risk assessments were carried out.
“The safety cordons in place exceeded the recommended safety distances for the firework effects used in the display.
“However, despite careful planning, this unfortunate incident occurred.”
She added: “Elgin Rotary Club has served the Elgin and Moray community for many years and has staged many large events, with safety always being the number one priority.
“We will continue to treat this matter with the utmost priority and have notified environmental health who, along with our club risk compliance team, are continuing further investigations.”
A spokesman for Moray Council said: “Environmental health officers are investigating from a health and safety point of view.”
The council’s findings are expected to be published in due course.
