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Fireworks display at The Coppice pub in Eastchurch, Sheppey, goes wrong as mum says young son’s face was burnt

16:00, 03 November 2024

updated: 20:43, 03 November 2024

Panic broke out as a pub fireworks display went wrong - with one mum saying her six-year-old son’s face was burnt.

Screaming and shouting can be heard in footage recorded at The Coppice in Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey last night.

A firework can be seen shooting out sideways and hitting a fence while sparks fly as another appears to land near dozens of people watching on.

A woman can then be heard urging a loved one to “get inside”.

In a separate video shared with KentOnline, a rocket can be seen exploding at the feet of two onlookers and another woman can be heard shouting, “Run, run, go, go” and, “It hit my leg”.

Following the chaotic scenes, bosses of The Coppice have since apologised on social media for the “firework accident” at the free event.

But among those commenting on the post is a woman who said: “It was my son that got a firework blow(n) up in his face, which he got burnt from.

Screaming and shouting is heard in a video recorded as a fireworks display at The Coppice pub in Eastchurch, Sheppey, went wrong
Screaming and shouting is heard in a video recorded as a fireworks display at The Coppice pub in Eastchurch, Sheppey, went wrong

“Yes accidents happen but we were in a safe area and this isn’t acceptable and isn’t okay whatsoever. My son is a six-year-old boy.”

One man commented: “It should never have happened.”

Eyewitnesses said the boy was given first aid at the scene.

The pub’s statement said: “We want to sincerely apologise for the recent firework accident that occurred during our event.

“We are deeply sorry for any distress or harm caused. The safety of our attendees is our top priority, and we are currently reviewing our safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.

Fireworks can be seen exploding at the feet of two people as a display at The Coppice in Eastchurch, Sheppey, went wrong
Fireworks can be seen exploding at the feet of two people as a display at The Coppice in Eastchurch, Sheppey, went wrong

“Thank you for your understanding and support during this time. We are committed to making things right.”

Other commentators were sympathetic to the boy’s plight but were also understanding of the pub.

One woman said: “Fireworks can be dangerous especially when the wind decides it'll blow. Hats off to management for responding so quickly and efficiently!

“Obviously we hope all involved are okay and I hope those behind the fireworks are okay because I can't imagine how it's affected you guys.”

Another who had been at the event wrote: “The staff were amazing and dealt with the situation professionally and quickly. It was no one’s fault! Hope all actually immediately involved are all ok today.

The Coppice pub in Eastchurch
The Coppice pub in Eastchurch

“You could see how upset the staff were.”

KentOnline contacted the pub but a spokesman declined to comment further.

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