Cumberland Firework Misfire Enters Crowd at Festival, Injuring Seven

Cumberland, R.I. — On Saturday, Aug. 6, at around 10:10 p.m., emergency personnel responded to an incident involving a misfired firework that injured several people at Cumberland Fest, held at Diamond Hill Park.

The Cumberland Fire Department stated in a release that during a professional firework display held at Cumberland Fest, “a single projectile from the display malfunctioned and did not travel on its intended trajectory and resulted in the device landing on the ground in vicinity of spectators."

According to Rhode Island State Fire Marshal Timothy McLaughlin, there was a misfire on a three-inch shell, which he said didn’t explode in the air as it should have.

When it hit the ground it bounced and ignited, leaving three adults and four children injured.

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A total of three ambulances were called to the scene and seven people were taken to the hospital.

McLaughlin said the minor injuries were burn related.

He added that no further details are available on the current health status of those injured.

The Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office was immediately called to the scene for an investigation into the cause of the incident, which has reportedly been deemed accidental.

The Fire Department urged residents to make an escape plan when attending public gatherings, and to note all closest exits for safety.