Firecrackers set off at Point State Park during July 4 fireworks show caused panic, officials say

PITTSBURGH — Video sent to Channel 11 shows a large group of people running from Point State Park during the City of Pittsburgh’s fireworks show Tuesday night.

Tens of thousands of people converged downtown for the festivities, which included live entertainment on three stages headlined by The Clarks.

On Tuesday night, a Pittsburgh Public Safety spokeswoman told us there were unconfirmed reports that a crowd of people — mostly juveniles — started to run. She said no shots were fired and no one was injured. She said that shortly after, crowds were starting to disperse.

Wednesday morning, the department released a statement saying 33 people were treated around the city during the celebration, with four taken to local hospitals.

“The majority of those were treated when someone in Point State Park reportedly set off firecrackers during the official display, causing groups of people to run from the area, believing shots had been fired. Several people received minor injuries inside the park and were treated and released, except for a 70-year-old female who suffered a head injury and was transported to the hospital. Three people were also treated for minor injuries when a firecracker was set off near the Wyndham Hotel just outside the park,” the report said.

Two drug-related arrests were made while officers issued four non-traffic citations for disorderly conduct, harassment and fighting, according to public safety. The Fireworks Task Force was called to investigate multiple fireworks-related complaints from around the city, with some citations handed out.

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