The 4th of July, a day filled with barbecues, parades, and dazzling fireworks displays, took a dangerous turn for one unsuspecting family in 2022.
In a jaw-dropping incident captured by a SimpliSafe security camera, a suburban home became the backdrop for a fireworks fail that quickly went viral, leaving viewers both astonished and relieved.
The video showcases a family celebrating the holiday with a traditional fireworks show on their lawn. Little did they know, however, that their celebration was about to take an unexpected twist.
As the first firework is lit, chaos ensues. With a sudden explosion, the startled family starts to scream. In the chaos, a child is struck by an initial shell and gives out a surprised yelp. Despite the shock, the family remains on the lawn, assuming the ordeal is over.
The Most Epic Fireworks Fail
However, they are gravely mistaken. In a horrifying turn of events, a spark from the firework ignites a blaze in the driveway behind a parked van, setting off a chain reaction that transforms an entire box of fireworks into a blazing, blasting inferno. The resulting explosion sends the family fleeing for their lives, their chairs and blankets scattered in the wake of the explosive force.
The video, which left viewers on the edge of their seats, raised many questions. Were there any injuries? Where did this incident take place? Many of the answers remain unclear, leaving the fate of the family unknown.
In the aftermath, rumors circulated that this was an elaborate advertising ploy by SimpliSafe. However, the security company told Entrepreneur to dispel these speculations, emphasizing their commitment to customer safety. They urged those featured in the video to come forward and confirm their well-being.
“While the quality and sensational nature of the video captured on our SimpliSafe camera might make this seem like a marketing stunt from SimpliSafe, it is decidedly not. Customer video and audio cannot be accessed without permission by anyone besides the owner, so we were just as shocked to see the video online after the customer shared it,” Scott Braun, Chief Growth Officer of SimpliSafe told Entrepreneur in an email. “As a company that’s in the business of protection, we do not make light of events that would put our customers’ safety at risk, whether those incidents are within our control or not. True to our commitment to protecting our customers, we are attempting to reach the customer to ensure their family and loved ones are safe.”
Watch The Crazy Fireworks Fail Below
Other Firework-Related Accidents
Firework-related accidents have plagued hospitals across the United States in the wake of July 4 celebrations. Tragically, also in 2022, an 11-year-old boy from Indiana lost his life after sustaining a severe fireworks-related injury. Heartbroken, his mother took to social media, sharing the devastating reality of her loss and warning others about the dangers of these explosive devices.
California also witnessed a tragic death as a man attempted to light illegal fireworks, a stark reminder of the risks associated with improper use. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that in 2021 alone, fireworks accounted for nine deaths and approximately 11,500 injuries.
Also in 2021, a staggering 416.3 million pounds of fireworks were purchased, representing a significant increase from previous years. The cost of fireworks has surged as well, driven by factors such as supply chain issues and inflation, with prices rising by as much as 25% between 2020 and 2021.
Amidst these alarming statistics, the National Safety Council has issued crucial guidelines for enjoying fireworks safely. They strongly advise the public to attend professional displays rather than attempting to handle fireworks at home. The Council highlights that fireworks lead to an average of 18,500 fires annually, including structure and vehicle fires.
The Council’s report also emphasizes the importance of adult supervision, discouraging young children from handling fireworks and cautioning against their use while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
As the Fourth of July approaches, let us remember that while fireworks can be a dazzling spectacle, they also possess inherent risks. Let us celebrate responsibly and prioritize the safety of ourselves and our loved ones, ensuring that this Independence Day remains a joyous occasion free from tragedy.