HUBER HEIGHTS — Chaos broke out at a local fireworks show after an explosion caused panic.
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As reported on News Center 7 at 6, what was supposed to be a night of fireworks and fun turned into a scary surprise for some.
As News Center 7 previously reported, during the Star-Spangled Heights event at Thomas Cloud Park, officers received a report of an explosion in a trash can near the food truck area, according to a press release from the Huber Heights Police Division.
Upon arrival, officers discovered an “unknown type of explosive device” that had been detonated inside a trash can, according to the release.
One woman said she was next to the terrifying explosion on the ground.
“I just saw this big cloud of smoke going up and my kids started panicking,” Rebecca Benge said.
Benge was at the park with her 9-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son.
“There were a couple of children down on the ground and a dad cradling his little girl that ... her leg was bleeding,” she said.
The owners of a food truck parked next to the trash can posted on social media, “This will be our last year attending Star Spangled Heights. Safety comes first and then the business aspect comes next.”
Things got worse when rumors began circulating among the crowd that could not see the explosion.
The panic of a possible shooter led to a stampede out of the park, and fights broke out.
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Huber Heights Mayor Jeff Gore put out a statement Sunday that said in part:
“Everyone should know that I want those responsible to face the fullest extent of the law when it comes to criminal prosecution, and if the video’s we have do not provide clear enough images to know who is responsible, I will be asking my colleagues on city council to approve a financial reward to anyone with information that leads to an arrest and conviction of the responsible person(s). I WANT THEM CAUGHT!!!”
Gore said as far as he is aware, there was no shooter or shots fired.
Two juveniles were injured because of the explosion and were taken to an area hospital with minor injuries.
Crowds ran out of the park across Brandt Pike to a Dayton shopping center.
Dayton police detained nine people at that scene.
We will continue to follow this story.
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