‘Sounded like gunfire’: Fireworks set off in Scotiabank Arena crowd at Dua Lipa show
Posted July 28, 2022 6:09 am.
Last Updated July 28, 2022 6:42 pm.
It was a scary moment for some concertgoers at the Dua Lipa show in Toronto on Wednesday night when unplanned fireworks were set off in the middle of the large indoor crowd.
Several videos posted on social media show fireworks exploding away from the stage inside Scotiabank Arena — and now many people are left wondering how someone was able to get them through security.
One witness was walking by the venue during the show and tells CityNews he heard what sounded like gunshots coming from inside the arena.
Shortly after, he saw a large hoard of concertgoers running through the arena doors to get outside.
“They were quite scared,” says the witness, whose first name is Scott. “When I came back two minutes later, the whole area was blocked off with police.”
“Whatever firecrackers they used sounded quite a lot like gunfire.”
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto police chief comment on incident
MLSE released a statement on Thursday afternoon saying it is cooperating with police to investigate the “reckless and dangerous act.”
“Last night, at the end of a concert event at Scotiabank Arena, unauthorized and illegal fireworks were set off on the arena floor by a member of the audience. As a result, three attendees received minor aid on-site and were able to go home without a need for further medical attention,” MLSE said.
“As one of the premier venues in North America, creating a safe and secure venue for every attendee at Scotiabank Arena is MLSE’s top priority, and we immediately began working in cooperation with Toronto Police Services to fully investigate this reckless and dangerous act.”
Police confirmed to CityNews they received a call around 11:40 p.m. in relation to the incident, and they are now investigating.
“I was on the ground level close to the admin area when I saw the fireworks above my head,” a concertgoer tells CityNews, who initially thought they were part of the production. “But I realized that I was in danger when my leg was struck.”
She was quickly rushed to a separate area by medical staff to receive first aid alongside others fans who suffered injuries.
A concertgoer shows burn marks on their shoe and legs after fireworks were set off inside the crowd at a Dua Lipa concert at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on July 27, 2022.
Police say none of the three people who suffered minor injuries required an ambulance, and paramedics confirmed with CityNews that they were not requested to attend the show.
Several videos of the fireworks have been shared on social media, with people expressing concern.
Fans can be seen on the arena’s ground level running for cover as lights explode in all directions.
In another video, you can see a sense of confusion and concern on the pop singer’s face as she was performing at the other end of the venue.
https://twitter.com/Kayleypew/status/1552505305132589056
According to some posts from concert attendees, the security checkpoints weren’t thorough in reviewing bags upon entry.
“Security unfortunately barely checked bags tonight,” wrote one person on Twitter. “Mine wasn’t checked, and neither was my friends.”
Police say no damage was caused to the property.
There is no suspect information available at this time, and investigators say they are working with security at the arena to view video surveillance and find those responsible.
Anyone with further information is being asked to contact the police.
