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WrestleMania Fireworks Injure Fans

Monday, March 31, 2008 9:33:36 PM
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Fireworks entering the stands at WrestleMania XXIV, injuring fans (photo by News 13 viewers Eric Segeren and Jeremy Naylor)

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ORLANDO -- About two dozen people were reportedly injured while at WrestleMania Sunday night and the problem was not in the ring.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the people were injured during a fireworks display at the Citrus Bowl.

Most of the victims suffered minor burns when the fireworks shot into the crowd, but at least one person was transported to a local hospital. 

It was not yet clear what caused the injuries, just that they were related to the fireworks in some way.

The Orlando Fire Department told News 13 inspectors worked closely with the company in charge of pyrotechnics, reviewing safety procedures before World Wrestling Entertainment's Monday Night Raw show at Amway Arena the night after WrestleMania.

Fire officials said about two dozen people sustained minor injuries when some equipment failed during a fireworks display following the last match Sunday.

"A cable had failed that was supporting fireworks traveling down that cable from the very top of the stadium to the bottom stage," said Assistant Chief Greg Hoggatt. "The cable failed, it dropped upon people in the stands, and it also dropped fireworks into the stands."

Wrestlemania XXIV grossed more than $5.85 million in ticket sales, making it the highest-grossing live event in World Wrestling Entertainment history and in the history of the Citrus Bowl.

More than 74,000 WWE fans packed the Citrus Bowl for the show, a record attendance for the stadium.

WWE issued the following statement Monday, saying "We're investigating the incident and doing everything we can to find out why it happened, and to make sure it never happens again."

In addition, WWE issued an apology, saying thankfully, the injuries were minor.

 

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