RICHMOND, Virginia — A postgame fireworks display at a Richmond Flying Squirrels minor league baseball game malfunctioned on Thursday night, sending some pyrotechnics traveling horizontally into the stands and prompting fans to scramble for cover. The incident occurred at CarMax Park after the San Francisco Giants’ Double-A affiliate lost 3-1 to the Hartford Yard Goats, but the team proceeded with its advertised fireworks show. Video of the mishap spread widely on social media and clearly showed several fireworks firing parallel to the ground rather than into the sky, with visible fireballs streaking through seating areas instead of exploding overhead as intended. Footage from the ballpark showed fans who had stayed after the game to watch the display reacting in different ways, with many spectators sprinting toward the concourse and other covered areas while some people remained seated despite the misdirected fireworks. Local outlet WRIC reported that no injuries occurred during the incident, and the crowd ultimately sheltered in place until the display ended. The Richmond Flying Squirrels and Pyro Shows, the company responsible for the pyrotechnics, have said they are investigating what caused the malfunction that sent fireworks into the bleachers rather than safely skyward.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.