Photo: Petr Tresnak / iStock / Getty Images
Sanford, FL - A lightning strike caused an unplanned fireworks explosion in Sanford, Florida, on the afternoon of July 4, resulting in the cancellation of the city’s scheduled Independence Day fireworks display.
According to city officials, a storm moved through the area shortly after 2 p.m. Lightning struck the marina area near Lake Monroe, where the city’s fireworks had been stored in preparation for the annual Star Spangled Sanford event.
Bianca Gillett, the City of Sanford’s Strategic Communications Manager, stated in a Facebook Live update that the lightning strike caused a fire that ignited the fireworks and damaged all of the equipment intended for the launch.
No injuries were reported, and emergency responders quickly arrived to contain the situation.
The incident was captured in videos shared on social media.
The videos show fireworks erupting in daylight under overcast skies.
The fireworks launch was canceled as a result of the equipment loss, but the remainder of the city’s Independence Day celebration continued as planned.
Food vendors, live music, and family activities remained open to the public.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is involved in the investigation to ensure proper safety procedures were followed.
City officials have not indicated any suspicion of foul play and attribute the incident to weather-related causes.
The city is reviewing the damage and evaluating options for a possible rescheduled display.