4 hurt after firecracker lands in middle of crowd

A prize distribution ceremony at Mira Road ended in chaos on Sunday evening after a firecracker misfired, injuring four people.

A prize distribution ceremony at Mira Road ended in chaos on Sunday evening after a firecracker misfired, injuring four people.

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The police said a cricket match had been organised by a political party earlier in the day and the prize distribution ceremony was in progress when the incident occurred. Gilbert Mendonca, NCP MLA from Bhayandar, was the chief guest at the event organised by the NCP Minorities Cell.

“It was a crowded event and people were celebrating by bursting crackers. Around 8.30 pm, a rocket misfired and landed among the onlookers, injuring four,” said Rajendra Mohite, inspector, Mira Road police.

The police said the injured were rushed to Deepak Hospital immediately after the mishap and have sustained minor burn injuries. Mendonca, the police said, was not hurt in the incident.

An eyewitness said a rocket that was to be propelled skyward went sideways and landed by mistake in the crowd. “As of now, no foul play has been suspected,” said an official from Mira Road police station.

The police were in the process of registering a case at the time of going to press.