'In-Your-Face' Fireworks malfunction at Squirrels game; no serious injuries reported
A scheduled fireworks show following the Richmond Flying Squirrels game on Thursday night was shut down early after the fireworks malfunctioned and began flying across the field.
In past years, the team's contractor set off fireworks behind the outfield wall, but the layout of the new CarMax Park has seats in that area, meaning the show has been brought to the center of the field.
The show was marketed as "In-Your-Face Fireworks," a promotion the team has been running for years.
Fans posted video to social media, including an angle from the outfield and a view from behind home plate posted to Reddit.
In a statement emailed to The Richmonder, a Flying Squirrels spokesperson said there were no serious injuries.
The statement said: "First and foremost, we are thankful no one was seriously injured as a result of the fireworks malfunction that occurred after Thursday night’s game," continuing that the team would work with the contractor, Pyro Shows, to determine what went wrong.
Pyro Shows also sent a statement to local news outlets.
The statement read, in part: "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 company said it worked with Richmond Fire Department officials and will conduct a full investigation.
The Squirrels are scheduled to continue their homestand with a game on Friday night. The next scheduled "In-Your-Face" fireworks show is Saturday night.
Contact Michael Phillips at mphillips@richmonder.org.
