‘Serious injuries’ reported at fireworks display as rocket explodes in crowd

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Several people have been injured and two reported dead after a rocket exploded in the middle of the crowd at a fireworks display.

Locals gathered for Bastille Day celebrations at Cholet in western France are said to have scrambled for safety following the accident, while reports on social media claim multiple people were injured.

At least one is understood to have been 'seriously injured' in the blast on Thursday night (July 14) near the town's football stadium, which resulted in a small fire.

Unconfirmed local reports also claim an 8-year-old boy and his 25-year-old sister have been killed.

About fifteen fire engines, a helicopter, police and the gendarmerie military police officers were dispatched to the location shortly after the incident.

Yet-to-be-confirmed video footage circulating on social media shows the display interrupted by a sudden flash and explosion on the ground, causing members of the public to scream and begin running.

A huge cloud of smoke is then seen rising up from the ground as fireworks continue to erupt in the background.

France 3 Pays de la Loire posted on Facebook: "An 8-year-old boy and his 25-year-old sister, who were near the Cholet football stadium, about 30 meters from the fireworks scene, were hit at around 23:05 pm this Thursday, July 14, by fireworks that "malfunctioned" according to Angers Prosecutor Eric Bouillard.

"They passed away. A 3rd person is in serious condition and has been transferred to a large burn unit.

"Maine and Loire Departmental Security has been entrusted with the investigation."

A statement is expected from the regional police force by Friday morning.

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