4 days ago
Man burned in Jimboomba fireworks chaos as past tragedy resurfaces
Chris Blesic was at the Jimboomba Family Carnival when a fireworks display misfired into a crowd, sending terrified families fleeing from the grandstand.
Videos of the chaos on Sunday during the family event about an hour south of Brisbane, Queensland, have since gone viral, sparking public outrage and concern.
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Blesic was hit in the leg by one of the rogue fireworks and suffered minor burns.
It's understood his jeans saved him from serious injury telling 7NEWS he's fine.
Resources Safety and Health Queensland has launched a formal investigation.
7NEWS cameras captured exclusive vision of inspectors visiting the pyrotechnics provider ACE Fireworks.
The business of Robert Stevenson has decades of experience in the industry.
He declined an on-camera interview but told 7NEWS via phone they are holding all the necessary permits.
'It was never anyone hurt and we always had all permits, and it was only one other little girl, who said she had the corner of her hair burned and she is as good as gold,' Stevenson said.
Logan Mayor Jon Raven also weighed in after viewing the incident online, describing it as 'shocking' and confirming, is was not a Council event.
'No one want's to see anything like this happen, ' he said.
'It's important we understand what's happened and if someone has done the wrong thing there are consequences.'
7NEWS revealed this is not the first time the Stevenson family has come under scrutiny.
Twenty five years ago, a fireworks disaster at a Bray Park school fete involving the Stevenson family resulted in the death of an 11-year-old child and left seven people injured, some with life-altering injuries and amputations.
This incident led to significant changes to Queensland's fireworks legislation.
The carnival in Jimboomba will continue this week without pyrotechnics, the organiser confirmed on social media.
'We would like to thank everyone for their patience during our investigation of the fireworks incident, alongside RSH&Q and the fireworks contractor,' Jimboomba Family Carnival said.
'We are truly sorry this incident occurred and that it impacted some people's time at the Jimboomba Family Carnival.
'Your safety and enjoyment are always our utmost priority, and we take these matters very seriously.
'While the investigation is still ongoing and no findings have been made, for the safety of everyone we have decided to cancel the remaining fireworks displays for the duration of the Carnival.
'All other features are going on as usual and we are throwing some extra monster truck shows for free.'
