A night of celebration turned into sheer panic in Spain after a malfunctioning firework suddenly shot toward a packed beach, sending terrified spectators scrambling for safety and leaving 27 people injured.
The frightening accident unfolded early Sunday during the Castell de l’Olla fireworks festival near Altea on Spain’s popular Costa Blanca.
Accidente durante el Castell de l’Olla de Altea. Varios cohetes cayeron sobre la playa donde se encontraba el público, provocando fuego, personas heridas y momentos de pánico entre los asistentes, que tuvieron que salir corriendo de la zona. @sonsolesonega @A3Noticias #Altea pic.twitter.com/w6Ck0UAdaE
— Marta (@MartaGonzlezMu1) August 9, 2026
An estimated 100,000 spectators had gathered along the shoreline to watch the massive annual display, which was celebrating its 40th anniversary with roughly 1,500 kilograms — more than 3,300 pounds — of gunpowder.
But in a matter of seconds, the spectacle became a nightmare.
One of the fireworks apparently malfunctioned during its launch and veered away from its intended path over the water. Instead, the shell reportedly flew toward spectators sitting on the beach.
Video shared on social media captured screams erupting as sparks appeared over the crowd. People could be seen ducking, jumping from their chairs and desperately running away from the danger.
Authorities said approximately 27 people were injured.
Fourteen were reportedly taken to the hospital, including 11 patients who were admitted to the Burn Unit at the General University Hospital of Alicante.
Other victims were treated at the Altea Health Centre.
Not everyone was hurt directly by the firework. Officials said some spectators suffered injuries during the frantic rush to escape as hundreds of people suddenly began moving away from the area.
One witness described the terrifying scene.
“What was supposed to be a night of partying ended in moments of real panic,” the witness said.
“The fireworks went straight towards the area where we were on the beach, and people started running.”
The witness said ambulances and emergency crews quickly descended on the area as reports spread that numerous people had been injured.
Altea Mayor Diego Zaragozí said the accident appeared to have occurred during the launch of one of the fireworks.
Instead of traveling out over the sea and exploding safely away from spectators, the shell reportedly headed toward the beach.
Emergency responders rushed to help the injured while organizers and safety officials began trying to determine exactly how the dangerous malfunction occurred.
The Brotherhood of Castell de l’Olla, which organizes the event, later met with municipal officials, safety commissioners and pyrotechnics managers to review what happened.
A full investigation is now expected as officials try to determine how a spectacular anniversary celebration turned into a terrifying scramble for safety in just seconds.