Kids hurt during firework displays

Nov 9 2007 Alison Anderson

A SIX-year-old Perth boy was rushed to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee shortly before 9pm on Monday’s bonfire night after being accidentally struck by a firework during a family firework display in Malvina Court.

The youngster sustained burns to his chest and neck and was kept in hospital overnight. A Tayside Police spokesman said his injuries were not serious

There was also an incident at the organised firework display in Crieff’s Market Park when an eight-year-old girl was hit by a firework.

The event was organised by Crieff Round Table, whose chairman Peter Littlewood, said: “On what should have been a fun-packed evening, all members of the Round Table were deeply shocked to find that a member of the public had sustained an injury to the face after being hit by one of the fireworks.

“We wish to send our most sincere apologies to the whole family and we will fully investigate what happened whilst trying to do our utmost to make sure that everything possible is done to avoid this type of accident happening again in the future.”

Tayside Fire and Rescue responded to 10 bonfire night-related incidents in Perth and Kinross on Monday – eight in Perth, one in Crieff and one in Glencarse.

“None of the call-outs was serious and they all involved small bonfires,” said a Tayside Fire and Rescue spokesman. “The number of call-outs in Perth and Kinross this year was very similar to November 5 last year.”

Throughout Tayside fire crews attended just under 100 incidents between 6pm and 11.30pm on Monday.

The clear, dry bonfire night weather attracted a bumper crowd estimated at around 5000 to Perth’s official bonfire and fireworks display on the Lesser South Inch.

Organised by Perth Strathearn Round Table, this popular annual raises thousands of pounds for local charities.