A chaotic and unauthorised New Year's Eve fireworks display in Sydney's west ended in terror and injury when pyrotechnics misfired directly into a large crowd, leaving two young girls requiring hospital treatment.
Chaos in Bright Park as Display Goes Awry
The incident occurred at Bright Park in Guildford on Wednesday night, drawing hundreds of revellers despite a significant police presence. Terrifying footage circulated online shows crowds scrambling for cover as a series of fireworks, described by one onlooker as "cruise missile fireworks," crashed into the field, spraying bright sparks over fleeing attendees.
In the videos, loud bangs and screams are audible as fireworks are lit perilously close to groups of people, with a fire left blazing near trees. A 12-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to The Children's Hospital at Westmead. Another man was treated by paramedics at the scene.
Police Presence and Arrests Following the Incident
New South Wales Police confirmed four people have been arrested for allegedly throwing fireworks, with investigations ongoing. The offence carries a substantial fine of $7,500. Prior to the display, armed officers and helicopters were deployed around the park after the event's start time was widely shared on social media.
Content creator Ehtesham Ahmad, who runs the Horsevibez TikTok account, posted interviews with attendees beforehand, where many questioned whether the heavy police presence would halt the event. "I don't know, too many cops," one person said, while others doubted the police's ability to "stop everyone from going."
Mixed Reactions and Wider NYE Police Operation
Despite the dangerous misfire, some online commentators bizarrely praised the display, with one woman calling it "10/10" and claiming it beat the official Sydney Harbour Bridge show "any day." However, others heavily criticised the lack of safety, with one stating, "It was organised by teenagers. Shocking results and very unsafe."
The Bright Park incident unfolded as part of a major police operation across Sydney for New Year's Eve. NSW Police arrested 38 people overnight in Greater Sydney, with over nine arrests in the CBD and foreshore areas for offences including assault and affray. More than 2,500 officers were deployed citywide, with some carrying long-arm weapons, in a heightened security response following the Bondi Beach terror attack.
