Mynnyddygarreg Hall have finally (7th November) issued a statement regarding the terrifying incidents that took place at their Bonfire Night display on Tuesday, 5th.
The statement says:
“Mynyddygarreg Hall has been hosting an annual community fireworks display for 30 years. We’re a community hall run by volunteers in the community for the community.
“We’re aware of an incident at our display on Tuesday evening where one firework in the 30 minute display, unfortunately did not fire in the direction intended.
“There were no serious injuries reported to us and the remainder of the display continued without incident.
“Safety has always been paramount and we are sorry for any distress caused by the incident. As always, we are grateful for the support of the community. We are working with the local authority to review our procedures.
“Thank you for your support”.
This statement was posted on the Hall’s Facebook page and comments have been disabled.
We received the following email from a reader who has asked to remain anonymous.
“I wanted to just share our evening at the fireworks. It is extremely disappointing that this happened as I have previously heard such positive things about their displays.
“My son has not long turned 4 and I was there by myself with him. He was a little scared but had settled into watch the display. I was not sat directly at the front but to the side. I have NEVER in my life had such a frightening experience. Not only did the fireworks start shooting towards the public and hitting families, it caused an instant panic and everyone started running back, children being dragged.
“I’ve never seen anything like it. Both of us were covered in ash leaving and my son was so shook up he cried the whole journey home and didn’t even want to stand further back, he wanted to leave instantly.
“I am sure that people would be physically hurt but I can guarantee there are a lot more emotionally hurt by the events.
“A member of the organisational team was heard shouting to shut down the display but they continued, with many many people leaving.
“I hope they respond to the awful events”.
The story was picked up by social media, as well as the BBC, which have posted videos showing Fireworks going astray, and many people have commented with their stories.
Lily Maddison
“Me and my friends where at the front row watching the fire works and me and my other friend were hit in the face. One spark went into the corner of my eye and we ran away trying to get through the crowd screaming.”
Danielle Evans
“Me, my husband and 2 kids were both at the front row and fireworks were repeatedly coming at us, towards our faces and feet.”
“My husband was hit by one on his shoulder whilst we were both shielding our kids before we had space to grab them and run. Even then, they landed on my son but thankfully he wasn’t hurt ,but my husband was.”
“They should’ve been stopped, or an announcement made on the microphone for people to start making their way out to give the kids at the front who were terrified space to be able to get out. Both my kids were shaken up and petrified, we waited near the entrance afterwards for a few minutes to calm our children down and saw no members of staff checking to see how anyone was.”
“Obviously it wasn’t intentional, but an announcement on the mic to tell everyone to leave or move back safely should’ve been made. I can still hear the noise of my kids screaming in fear, I can’t even imagine how scared my kids and other children were, let alone the massive fear myself and other parents felt trying to protect our children”.
Becci Jones
“Was a close one. Can’t believe no one checked on people and carried on like nothing happened, the little boy next to me had a burn to his face. An apology or some acknowledgement would have been better.”
Hayley Rees
“This is horrendous! fireworks should be banned, I have said this for 21 years since my mam was injured and was lucky to be alive. Although this might not have been International, I wish people would remember that when fireworks had been set alight there is no control over them. I hope everyone is OK.”
The Standard contacted the Hall and the co-sponsors of the hall, Kidwelly Town Council, following the incidents but hadn’t received a reply at time of publication.
The Standard has this evening contacted the Hall to clarify the following: A professional Fireworks organiser was used. Was the event risk assessed by competent people? Did the event have the appropriate insurance cover in place? We’ll publish a response once we get a reply.
There were many comments and considerable public interest in the incident. For safety information regarding the use of fireworks, visit: https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/your-safety/your-community-and-events/firework-safety/
It was barely even an apology and it was also not 1 firework, you can see from all the videos it’s more than 1. Yes the hall is run by volunteers but this doesn’t excuse them taking responsibility which they haven’t really done
Lisa McDaid only the one firework? 😂
Jonathan Hillier David Edwards Matthew Emery ….check out this piss-poor attempt at an ‘apology’
I’ve seen PLENTY of videos proving there was a lot mpre than ‘one firework went off in the wrong direction’ and many vidoes and photos showing NO safety measures between the spectators and the firework lighting area- there at the very least should have been a small fence or barrier of sandbags etc between the lighting area and the crowd, just in case of stray mis-fires…..Sorry but the ‘apology’ provided is pathetic and doesnt mean a single thing to any of those traumatised children and families, and to be honest, I think it just adds insult to the entire sorry mess!!