Japan fireworks festival marred by ground explosion, injuring three

An annual fireworks festival in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, was marred by an incident where fireworks exploded prematurely on the ground, injuring three spectators. The Akagawa Fireworks Festival, a long-standing event held along the riverbank, was underway on the evening of August 15 when the mishap occurred.

Around 9:15 PM, a man in his 20s, who was seated in a paid viewing area near the river, was struck by fragments from the ground explosion. He sustained cuts to his forehead, though his injuries were not reported as severe. A woman and a young boy were also injured in the incident.

Police are investigating the exact cause of the explosion, which appears to have occurred before the fireworks could launch into the sky as intended. The premature detonation sent debris scattering towards the audience. The Akagawa Fireworks Festival has been a tradition in Tsuruoka City for over three decades, typically featuring more than 12,000 fireworks and drawing large crowds.

Footage of the incident circulated on social media, showing the danger posed when fireworks detonate at ground level. The festival continued for about two hours, starting around 7 PM. The injuries sustained by the three individuals are being assessed, and authorities are working to determine how the malfunction happened.