Insane moment baseball fans are left fleeing stands for their lives after firework display malfunctions

By RACHEL BOWMAN, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 20:50, 26 July 2026 | Updated: 20:59, 26 July 2026 Baseball fans ran for cover when a fireworks display went horribly wrong at a Virginia stadium. Terrifying video showed Richmond Flying Squirrels fans fleeing for their lives as fireworks and smoke spewed towards the stands at CarMax Park on Thursday. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured by the malfunction, according to the team. One attendee said that at first her family thought the team was testing out a new kind of firework before their enjoyment turned into terror.  'We were watching from the outfield with our kids, just enjoying the whole display, when initially we thought that they were using some sort of new ground-level firework or something like that,' Alyssa Durden told Scripps News. 'Once we saw it hit the bullpen and pop up into the stands, we realized some of the mortars must have fallen over. Our kids were understandably scared. Thankfully, no one was hurt.' The Flying Squirrels said they are cooperating with investigators to determine the cause of the malfunction.  'We're still working closely with Pyro Shows and the Richmond Fire Marshal's Office to gather information and determine the cause of Thursday night's fireworks malfunction,' the team wrote on social media. Chaos ensued at a Virginia baseball stadium when a fireworks display went horribly wrong on Thursday Richmond Flying Squirrels fans fled for their lives as fireworks and smoke spewed towards the stands at CarMax Park The team added that their firework shows will be moved offsite for the foreseeable future.  'Out of an abundance of caution and to allow us the opportunity to thoroughly review operation and safety protocols, postgame firework shows will be shot offsite at The Diamond beginning tomorrow night and for the foreseeable future,' the Flying Squirrels wrote. 'We'd like to thank VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University) for accommodating us in doing so and look forward to safely hosting firework shows for the enjoyment of our fans the remainder of the season.' Before the fireworks, the minor league baseball team, which is an affiliate for the San Francisco Giants, lost 3-1 to the Hartford Yard Goats. Pyro Shows issued a statement to WRIC apologizing for the malfunction.  'Pyro Shows had a malfunction of pyrotechnic product at the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball game tonight. Our technicians followed company protocol and immediately terminated the fireworks show,' the company said. 'We are actively investigating the root cause of the malfunction. We will be working hand-in-hand with the fire department and safety officials to determine the root cause of the malfunction. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured by the malfunction, according to the team One attendee said that at first her family thought the team was testing out a new kind of firework before their enjoyment turned into terror 'Pyro Shows sincerely apologizes to all the fans and families in attendance during this distressing event. We extend our deepest apologies to the Flying Squirrels organization to include management, players, and staff for this unfortunate incident.' Pyro Shows added: 'Safety has been the cornerstone of our organization for over 50 years. We will determine the root cause of this incident and make the appropriate corrections to ensure this does not happen again.' The Daily Mail contacted the Richmond Flying Squirrels, Pyro Shows and the Richmond Fire Marshal's Office for comment.