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Dunfermline Press

Rosyth family in fireworks terror

Graham Gibson 1589 - 1589 • Published 13 Nov 2008 12:25 Mobiles Print Comments 7 Comments

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THREE young children from a Rosyth family were traumatised after an accident involving a stray firework at the annual display at Pittencrief Park, Dunfermline, last week.

Fraser Thomson, of Park Road, was attending the event with his wife, two daughters, two nieces and nephew, when a firework shot across the safety barrier, through a crowd and struck his 12-year old niece, Demmi Kellock, in the chest.

After the firework hit Demmi it bounced off and struck his nine-year old niece, Ashleigh McGill, who was standing close by, burning her lip and singeing her eyebrow.

Fraser said, 'We were standing about three people behind the seats they had set up at the front so we were well behind the safety barrier.

'It was those fireworks that shoot up into the air then they take another wee burst and they shoot in another direction.

'About 10 seconds before it happened one shot up and shot into the big trees that were behind us.

'Ten seconds after that one came right at us and somehow found a gap between about three layers of folk sitting in front of us.'

The firework struck Demmi in the chest and, despite having three layers of clothing on, left a slight burn on her chest.

A paramedic told Ashleigh she must have closed her eye at the moment of impact to prevent further injury.

To make matters worse for Fraser and his wife Deborah, their 10-year-old daughter, Morgan, then went into shock and started hyperventilating.

The children were treated for their injuries by ambulance at the event.

However, the accident had repercussions the next day when Morgan ran home terrified after seeing a firework lying on the ground on the way home from school.

Fraser said, 'The kids were really shaken up, especially my daughter. They will never ever go back to such an event.

'It ruined the whole night and it was absolutely terrifying.

"It was brilliant up until then. It was a shock for me too and it has put me off going back in the future as well.'

Susan Hughes, of Dunfermline City Centre Management, who organised the fireworks display, said, 'We would like to take this opportunity to wish the girls a speedy recovery and we have sympathy with those involved in the firework misfire.

"This was an unfortunate accident.

'Misfires of this nature are thankfully very rare, and Unique Events" very strict safety standards contained and managed this incident in a professional manner.

'It is hoped that an isolated incident of this nature does not deter members of the public from attending official fireworks events, which are by far the safest way of attending celebrations at this time of year.'

Barry Wright, of Unique Events, said, 'We are fully aware of the incident and can assure you that we have already asked for reports to our health and safety officer and the fireworks company.

'We treat safety at all of our events very seriously and we will make best efforts to fully investigate this.'

More than 15,000 revellers saw the skies explode with colour and noise at the annual bonfire and fireworks display at Pittencrieff Park last Wednesday night.

The action kicked off at 6pm and people were treated to a host of walk-about entertainment that helped to create a brilliant atmosphere.

Mingling among the crowd were a host of colourful characters, some on stilts, some playing drums, all in exotic costumes and face paints, who delighted the crowd across every age range from toddlers to grandparents.

Donations were also collected from revellers to be shared equally between the City Centre Management Fund and Friends of the Glen to help pay for the new play park.

Susan Hughes, who is also chief executive of Dunfermline Delivers, said, 'Dunfermline fireworks was a resounding success. The feedback has been really positive.

'Special thanks go to Dunfermline businesses for funding the fireworks with support from the Fife Common Good Fund, Fife Council Action Fund and sponsorship from Tesco and Dunfermline Building Society.'

Lenka Patakova, an au pair in Dunfermline, said, 'It was a beautiful evening. I loved the fire cans along the route to the display, it was magical.

'I feel very lucky to be able to be there.'

Finlay Horne (10), from Dunfermline, said, 'The fireworks were cool and most of the music was great.

'All of my friends were there and nobody wants to miss the fireworks.'

This article appeared in Dunfermline Press 13 Nov 08

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