GRIFFIN, Ga. — The grand finale to Griffin's Fourth of July fireworks display last week, described by the fire chief as what they were told would be an "enhanced ending," sent fireballs into the sky and caused a panic that the local sheriff said caused "screaming, crying."
Videos posted to social media last week and shared with 11Alive show the end of the fireworks display, with huge fireballs lofting into the sky appearing like an explosion of some kind.
Below is a video from taken by 13-year-old Allie Soper that shows the moment.
In videos online, you can hear gasps and exclamations after the fireballs go up and at least one onlooker sounding like they said, "I don't think that's good."
Griffin Fire Chief John Hamilton said in a statement to 11Alive his crews were made aware of the enhanced ending ahead of time and noted that it resulted in no injuries.
"The City of Griffin and Spalding County, in partnership with the Griffin-Spalding Business and Tourism Association, host the fireworks show every year along with a third party pyrotechnics vendor. We were aware of an enhanced ending, and had alerted the fire crews on scene for added safety," Chief Hamilton said.
Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix said his deputies were in a parking lot nearby alongside Spalding County Fire personnel and Griffin Police officers, and indicated they were taken by surprise.
"When it happened we were all close enough to respond on foot. When we got to the scene we were told by site safety officials it was planned. No one was hurt, but people nearby were terrified. People were screaming, crying, and physically sick," Sheriff Dix said. "First responders in the crowd were running toward it to help."
According to Chief Hamilton, despite apparent confusion, the situation went as planned.
"The entirety of the controlled fireworks show was successful with no injuries to the public, contrary to the social media comments," the fire chief said. "We hope everyone enjoys a happy and safe 4th of July weekend."
News happens fast. Stream it faster with our re-designed 11Alive+ app.
Watch newscasts, breaking news streams and get the latest sports, weather and VERIFY content -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Available on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. Text "plus" to 404-885-7600 to download 11Alive+ and stream now.