Lorraine Williamson
Around 50 people have been injured after pyrotechnic material exploded during the opening of the fiestas in Noáin, Navarra, as crowds gathered outside the town hall for the traditional chupinazo. Three men were taken to hospital with burns while another 47 people were treated for minor injuries. Two of those admitted to hospital have since been discharged, and the third remains in a stable condition.
The incident happened at around midday on Wednesday, 26 August, in Plaza de los Fueros, where a large crowd had gathered for the start of the town’s patron saint festivities.
Several rockets accidentally caught fire on the town hall balcony, where the pyrotechnics marking the start of the celebrations were being launched. The resulting explosion affected people gathered in the crowded area below.
Emergency services established a medical response at the scene. According to Navarra’s health authorities, 47 people were treated at Noáin health centre for minor injuries including burns, ear pain and other effects from the blast. None of those 47 required hospital treatment.
Three men, aged 41, 53 and 54, were taken by ambulance to the Hospital Universitario de Navarra for treatment for burns.
Two hospital patients discharged
Health officials provided a more reassuring update later on Wednesday.
Two of the three men taken to hospital have now been discharged. The remaining patient is being treated on a conventional hospital ward and is reported to be stable, with burns to his hands.
All of the people affected by the explosion are considered to be out of danger.
The emergency response included firefighters from Cordovilla, advanced and basic life-support ambulances, medical teams, Policía Local, Policía Foral and Guardia Civil.
Guardia Civil investigates cause of explosion
The Guardia Civil has taken charge of the investigation and has begun a technical inspection of the town hall balcony.
Officers are also taking statements from witnesses in an effort to establish exactly how the pyrotechnic material ignited. The Guardia Civil’s preliminary account indicates that several rockets caught fire accidentally inside the balcony, causing a powerful explosion while the surrounding square was particularly crowded.
Despite the number of people affected, the vast majority of injuries were minor.
The fiestas have been allowed to continue after the emergency response was completed and the area made safe. Noáin council thanked residents and visitors who assisted those caught up in the incident and sought to reassure the public following the explosion.
The Guardia Civil investigation into the precise cause remains ongoing.