A shocking incident has marred the start of the celebrations: several rockets exploded during the traditional Chupinazo in Noáin (Navarra) on Wednesday. A total of 50 people were injured, three of whom had to be taken to hospital. The Guardia Civil has launched an investigation.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
The start of the Fiestas in Noáin was marred by a frightening incident on Wednesday afternoon. At around 12:02 pm, an accident involving pyrotechnic material occurred during the traditional Chupinazo, which marks the official start of the celebrations. Several rockets apparently ignited in the area of the town hall balcony and exploded while large numbers of people had gathered in the Plaza de los Fueros.
50 people injured
According to the latest information available, a total of 50 people were injured. 47 of those affected suffered minor injuries and were treated at the health centre in Noáin. These included ear pain, burns and other minor injuries. None of these patients required hospital treatment.
Three men aged 41, 53 and 54, however, were taken to the Hospital Universitario de Navarra in Pamplona for further medical assessment due to burns. Two of the three patients were initially listed as having a guarded prognosis. However, according to the authorities, all of those injured are out of danger.
Rockets explode during the Chupinazo
The accident occurred during the traditional opening of the celebrations. Several rockets reportedly caught fire inside or in the vicinity of the town hall balcony. This was followed by explosions, with pyrotechnic material being propelled towards the crowd.
Large numbers of people had gathered in the square at the time to celebrate the start of the Fiestas. The incident prompted a major emergency response.
Major emergency response deployed
Following the incident, firefighters from Cordovilla, medical emergency teams, several ambulances, as well as local police, the Policía Foral and the Guardia Civil were mobilised. The Guardia Civil has taken over the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Some of those injured were treated at the scene or at the health centre. Due to the high number of casualties, rooms inside the town hall were also used to provide medical care. In total, more than 40 people were treated without requiring hospital admission.
Cause of accident under investigation
The reason why the rockets ignited prematurely, leading to the subsequent explosions, is still under investigation. The Guardia Civil has launched an investigation and documented the incident. The exact cause has not yet been established.
According to the information available so far, those injured include a municipal services worker and a photographer.
Fiestas to continue as planned
Despite the incident, the celebrations in Noáin are expected to continue as planned, according to the local authorities. The Ayuntamiento del Valle de Elorz said that the emergency situation had been brought under control and that safety had been ensured. The municipality also thanked the emergency services, medical staff and volunteers for their swift response.
Mayor Mikel Navarro also stressed that the situation could have been considerably worse. The swift coordination between the emergency services and other helpers helped ensure that the large number of injured people received prompt medical attention.
This year’s festival opening in Noáin has therefore been overshadowed by a serious incident. While investigations into the cause of the explosions are ongoing, the remainder of the festival programme is still expected to go ahead as planned.
