A catastrophic fireworks malfunction turned a milestone celebration into a scene of panic overnight, leaving 27 people injured during the renowned Castell de l’Olla pyrotechnic festival in Altea.
What was meant to be a historic 40th-anniversary display descended into chaos when a stray shell veered off course and detonated directly inside the spectator crowd near the El Cranc beach bar, triggering a sudden stampede.
According to preliminary reports, the incident likely stemmed from an anchoring failure on one of the offshore launching platforms. Pyrotechnic mortars—typically angled seaward to ensure projectiles explode safely over open water—may have shifted out of position. The improperly secured cannon directed a shell along an erratic parabolic arc straight toward the crowded shoreline, where it exploded among beachgoers. An official investigation is underway to confirm the precise mechanical failure.
Swift Medical Emergency and Evacuation
Emergency medical teams responded instantly, managing a wave of injuries ranging from blast contusions to severe thermal burns. The Castell de l’Olla Brotherhood confirmed that 27 attendees received immediate medical treatment.
- Severe Burn Transfers: 14 victims were initially rushed to IMED Levante Hospital. Eleven required specialized care and were subsequently transferred to the Burn Unit at Alicante University General Hospital. As of Sunday, one victim remains hospitalized in serious condition within the Burn Unit.
- Secondary Transport & Clinic Care: The Emergency Information and Coordination Center (CICU) confirmed that a 55-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman suffering from burns were transported via Basic Life Support (BLS) to Marina Baixa Hospital. A 19-year-old was evacuated to IMED Hospital for contusion treatment, while 13 others received outpatient care for minor injuries at the local Altea health center before being discharged.
Eight ambulances and dozens of emergency responders worked alongside security personnel to manage the site and safely transport victims.
Organizer Response and Eyewitness Footage
In an official statement, the Castell de l’Olla Brotherhood expressed deep regret over the accident, extending support to the victims and praising the rapid coordination of emergency crews. The organization stated it will withhold further commentary until official investigative findings are released.
Meanwhile, video footage posted to social media captured the terrifying moments leading up to the blast. Clips shared on Instagram by user @checoaventura show a low-flying “peacock” rocket effect skimming wildly across the water before striking the sand and detonating among horrified onlookers.
