Particle.news

Firework Shell Falls on Altea Beach, 27 People Hurt

Authorities have opened an investigation after a launched shell struck the shore and forced multiple hospital transfers.

Overview

  • A fireworks shell launched from floating platforms off Playa de l'Olla veered into the crowd during the Castell de l'Olla display and exploded on the sand, injuring 27 people.
  • Event medics and the regional emergency coordination center (CICU) led the response and evacuated several victims to nearby facilities for treatment.
  • Reported transfers include 14 people to Hospital IMED, 11 sent to the Burns Unit at Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, and 13 treated at the Centro de Salud de Altea.
  • CICU confirmed three specific transfers from the Altea health center: a 55-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman with burns to Hospital de la Marina Baixa and a 19-year-old with contusions to IMED.
  • Organizers and one report have suggested a misaligned mortar on a floating launch platform could explain the deviation but officials say the cause is unconfirmed and the inquiry is ongoing.