The Brooklyn Bridge erupted in flames during a fireworks show celebrating America's 250th Birthday on the Fourth of July. Thick black smoke billowed into the night sky from the East River crossing in New York City, with fires raging on two sections of the bridge while colourful fireworks were launched from the span.
Timeline of the Incident
At least four blazes broke out across the bridge at 9:32pm, approximately 30 minutes into the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Show. The fires were extinguished by 10pm, and the Brooklyn Bridge remained closed to traffic for an additional 30 minutes. Police believe the fire was 'very likely' sparked by the pyrotechnics. No injuries were reported.
A police source indicated that the 'minor' fires occurred on the bridge's platforms installed for launching fireworks, not on the bridge structure itself.
Eyewitness Accounts
Nearing Khoula, who traveled from France to New York, initially thought the fire was part of the display. 'But then I was scared it would explode,' she told the New York Post. 'I thought the bridge was made of wood, so I was scared. There were four at the same time. Some extra fireworks exploded due to the fire.'
Mohamed Shaban, 31, from Egypt, said: 'It started as a small fire and got bigger. There was too much black smoke.'
Fireworks and Fire Statistics
According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks started more than 32,000 fires in 2023, with July 4 seeing twice as many fires as other days. The American Red Cross had issued warnings ahead of Independence Day regarding fire risks.
Some 85,000 fireworks lit up the night sky over Brooklyn Bridge Park in 30 colours for the nation's largest Independence Day celebration. The event marked 250 years since the founding of the US.
Related Events in Washington DC
The day's headline event in Washington DC was marked by lightning bolts, record-breaking heat, and evacuation orders. Thousands who gathered to watch the US president's rally at the National Mall—some queuing for hours in blistering 38°C heat—had to take cover in McDonald's and the Smithsonian museum due to severe storms. The evacuation order was lifted two hours later.
Donald Trump told soggy and sunburnt spectators: 'After two and a half centuries, this American republic still stands tall and strong, and we love each other.' He added: 'That showed tonight. You heard it was over, and what happened? You came back!' Concluding his nearly 40-minute speech, filled with tales of Civil War heroes, warnings about communists, and calls to restrict voting rights, Trump said the crowd would now see a 'great fireworks display.'
Some 850,000 'pyrotechnic effects' were launched for 35 minutes, according to organisers Freedom 250. The nonprofit described this figure as 'record-setting,' surpassing the 810,904 fireworks launched by Iglesia Ni Cristo during its Countdown to 2016 in the Philippines.
