Exploding firework shoots into huge crowd on Benidorm beach as at least 27 injured

Multiple victims have been rushed to special burns units after an exploding firework shot into a huge crowd on a beach in Benidorm during the Castell de l'Olla de Altea festival

Abigail Hunt Content Editor and Rita Sobot

11:11, 09 Aug 2026Updated 12:12, 09 Aug 2026

Many injured after exploding firework shoots into crowd near Benidorm

At least 27 people have been injured and multiple victims taken to special burns units after a firework shot into a massive crowd on a beach near Benidorm.

A rocket let off over the sea by organisers shot into the massive crowd lining the beach at Altea near Benidorm on the Costa Blanca. Fourteen people were rushed to hospital and eleven of them were treated at the Burns Unit of the General University Hospital of Alicante, while another 13 people were treated at the Altea health centre.

One witness said: "What was supposed to be a night of partying ended in moments of real panic. The fires went straight to the area where we were on the beach and people started running.

[People are heard screaming as the firework explodes in their faces]

People are heard screaming as the firework explodes in their faces(Image: TikTok / @fredyrilo)

"Ambulances and emergency services went to the scene. There is talk of numerous wounded."

Videos posted online show the "peacock" rockets exploding over the sea as one veers out of control and lands into the shocked crowd, causing panic and mass burns to onlookers.

A large white cloud of smoke is clearly visible as people scream in horror.

[Many have been injured at the Castell de l'Olla, a fireworks display staged out at sea]

Many have been injured at the Castell de l'Olla, a fireworks display staged out at sea

The firework display was a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Castell de l'Olla de Altea, which was held in the early hours of this Sunday and was watched by around 100,000 people, locals and tourists.

Organisers, the Brotherhood of Castell de l'Olla, said emergency, health and security services rushed to the scene to evacuate those affected after the incident.

More details are yet to be released.

[Fourteen people were rushed to hospital]

Fourteen people were rushed to hospital(Image: Comunitat Valenciana)

Article continues below

The Castell de l'Olla is a prestigious pyrotechnic festival held annually in Altea (Alicante). It is unique in that the fireworks are fired entirely from the sea, using floating platforms and barges.

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

[Dailystar Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Star as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.

[Google Preferred Source Badge]

At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the "Do Not Sell or Share my Data" button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.