What was supposed to be a laid-back Fourth of July fireworks show in Upper Chichester turned chaotic when someone hurled a lit firework into the crowd, triggering an explosion that sent families scrambling and left two people with minor injuries. The blast went off around 8:50 p.m. Sunday at an athletic field on Furey Road, where roughly 500 people had gathered for the township’s holiday display. Cellphone video from the scene shows the firework detonating among seated spectators as people jump up and rush away.
Police reviewing footage and trying to ID a suspect
Detectives are combing through township surveillance footage as they work to identify the person responsible, and officials say they have “a couple of names, a couple pictures” they are trying to match, according to CBS Philadelphia. Police told the station that two people were treated at the scene for minor injuries, including burns and hearing damage, and said the suspect could be looking at assault and other criminal charges. Authorities told CBS they hope to make an arrest soon as investigators line up video evidence with witness accounts.
Vendors, parents say the scene was frightening
Food-truck owner Tony Nichols said his family did not wait around after the blast. He told CBS Philadelphia that very young children were among those gathered for the show and that the explosion rattled vendors and parents alike. “I thought it was very dangerous because there were kids around,” Nichols said, adding that the annual celebration is usually quiet and family-friendly before it was abruptly jolted by the incident.
Town ordinances require permits and set penalties
Upper Chichester’s municipal code requires permits for organized display fireworks and restricts the use of consumer fireworks in many parts of the township. Display permits must be filed weeks in advance and include safety plans and insurance, according to township rules. The ordinance also spells out fines and penalties for violations, including steeper fines for repeat offenses and tougher consequences for unlawful sales or use of display fireworks, as detailed in Upper Chichester Township's code. Officials say those regulations are designed to keep public shows tightly supervised and separate from unsanctioned devices that can put crowds at risk.
How to share tips or footage with investigators
Police are asking anyone with information or video from the event to contact the Upper Chichester Township Police Department. For non-emergencies, the department lists (610) 485-8400 (ext. 492), and emergency calls should go to 911, according to the township’s official site. Investigators say witness video can be crucial in identifying suspects and are urging anyone who recorded the explosion or its aftermath to share that footage with officers. The department also offers an email and online contact options for tips.
Authorities emphasized that the incident came uncomfortably close to causing more serious injuries and said they will keep reviewing video and speaking with witnesses until they find the person responsible. Township leaders and vendors say they want the annual celebration to stay a safe, family-focused tradition and are pressing anyone who knows something to come forward.
