Wild scenes as fireworks allowed to be let loose for five hours across NT

Young Aussies were seen desperately running for safety as rogue fireworks exploded behind them in a park - but there’s more to the story than meets the eye.

Extraordinary footage has emerged of a group of young men running for their lives after setting off fireworks in a Darwin park.

The terrifying close call took place on Territory Day, the only day of the year where Aussies can own and light fireworks without a permit.

The holiday on July 1 commemorates the territory achieving self-government in 1978.

Members of the public can buy fireworks from licensed retailers between 9am and 9pm, and let them off legally without training or a permit for five hours between 6pm and 11pm.

As expected, despite authorities’ safety warnings, videos have begun emerging of moments involving dangerously close calls.

One shocking video uploaded to YouTube showed a firework set off directly into a group of young men in a park, said to be in Darwin City.

“What the f***?” one man yelled as the cracker sent the group running.

It exploded closely behind them as they ducked, reminiscent of a scene from an action movie.

Another video shared on popular Aussie social media account Brown Cardigan, showed a cracker on a beach firing directly into the person filming.

One video showed the moment a cracker mishap sent a group of young men running. Picture: YouTube

It exploded behind them like a scene out of an action movie. Picture: YouTube

news.com.au has contacted NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services about the number of firework-related incidents and injuries this year.

St John Ambulance NT confirmed it treated a 37-year-old man with serious burns to the groin area and an infant with a minor burn in the same incident, a 19-year-old woman with significant burns to her face, neck, and legs, and a six-month-old with facial burns.

Territory response manager Craig Garraway said it was a busy Territory Day for paramedics.

He told NT News “normally you only get one real serious one” but this year there were three injuries that were “reasonably serious”.

Last year, a 23-year-old man had his arm severed in a fireworks mishap south of Darwin.

The year before, a man in his 50s was hospitalised after a firework exploded in his face.

Northern Watch Commander Clinton Stewart described Monday as a “good Territory Day” and told NT News there were only a few minor injuries and a few spot fires that firefighters were called to in the Top End, which was less than previous years.

Southern Watch Commander Mick Fields told the publication Alice Springs police were not called to any injuries or fires, but did receive 10 calls about fireworks being let off inappropriately.

People buying fireworks in Darwin on the only day of the year you don’t need a permit. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service responded to more than 90 fires during legal hours on July 1, 2023 and more than 100 outside of legal hours the next day.

“Many of these fires were bin fires caused by people placing hot, used fireworks in bins. Always ensure your fireworks are completely cool before disposing of them,” acting chief fire officer Stephen Sewell warned ahead of this year’s celebrations.

He had urged people to prepare and plan to make it a safe night.

“Clean out gutters, wet lawns, garden beds, remove rubbish and combustibles from around structures, ensure all fire breaks and mitigations are completed prior to the night,” he said.

“Even with the cold weather in the Central Desert, it’s important not to become complacent with firework safety, especially as dry weather has been forecasted for the Top End. Fireworks can be very dangerous and can easily cause unintended fires and cause serious injuries.

“Only buy fireworks from licensed retailers, and make sure to read and follow the safety instructions on each one. Never hold fireworks in your hand, and always keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case things get out of control. Avoid setting off fireworks near long grass, dry bush, structures, vehicles or people.”

People setting off fireworks after 11pm on Monday can face fines of $1850. There are also fines for possession of fireworks after midday on Tuesday, July 2.