Video Shows How Fireworks Mishap Ended Ridgewood Celebration

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A firework that went off early prompted a premature end to the fireworks display at the village's Independence Day celebration Thursday, officials said.

A firework went off inside its firing tube and that set off two more fireworks close to the grounds at about 9:30 p.m., said Mayor Ramon Hache.

Filmmaker Chris Komjian was there filming the fireworks display and saw what happened. He said the misfire happened about 20 minutes into the program. He posted a video of the incident on Twitter.

There was a "huge, loud explosion happened on the ground and a few fireworks shot in different directions, Komjian said when contacted on Twitter.

Komjian said there was "a lot of smoke like something was on fire, and they stopped the show."

Hache and Police Chief Jacqueline Luthcke said no one was injured. Hache said a Ridgewood firetruck and firefighters were right next to the fireworks when the misfire occurred and quickly responded to and extinguished the ensuing flare up.

"This is a highly unusual incident," Hache said. "We were very fortunate and happy that no one was injured and immediately taken care of."

Officials announced after the mishap that the show would continue, only to announce a few minutes later the show's finale would not occur.

"It would have taken too long to rewire everything," Hache said. "We can always do the fireworks again, but we can't replace human life."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com