Utah residents view drone shows with different eyes after Stadium of Fire fireworks accident

SALT LAKE CITY — Thursday’s frightening fireworks accident at the Stadium of Fire’s Independence Day show is putting Friday night’s drone show in Salt Lake City in a different light, with some people more willing to accept a less explosive holiday spectacle.

Videos of the accident are all over social media. On Thursday night, fireworks were misdirected at the Stadium of Fire in Provo. Authorities reported that several people were injured and other visitors were shocked and frightened.

“It makes you nervous. After all, I am a father and I have children,” says Cesar Trujillo, who is watching the drone show in Salt Lake City.

Some attendees of the Salt Lake City drone show said the incident made them rethink their opinion of the city’s switch last year from the traditional fireworks show to a more safety-friendly drone show.

“After what happened at Stadium of Fire, I’m even more suspicious of them,” said Carissa Rowe, a Vineyard resident.

“I was there last night and saw the fireworks. My granddaughter was there. The thought of this happening to her and my family is terrifying,” said Bonnie Barlow, a St. George resident.

The danger of illegal fireworks wasn’t the only reason Salt Lake City flipped the switch. Reducing the risk of fire and improving air quality and people’s safety were the core ideas.

“The show is much safer and more inclusive. People who may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or want to bring pets are all welcome here and the show is a little more inclusive,” says Lynze Twede, event manager for Salt Lake City Public Lands.

Some who came to Friday night’s show wanted to see if they liked drones better, while others believe fireworks should be eliminated.

“The whole idea of ​​using drones to entertain, I think, is a fascinating idea to replace fireworks, you bet on it,” said Dennis Hollinger, a Midvale resident.

“I think it’s a little safer for the city to move like this, especially when it comes to kids and everything,” Trujillo added.

“I think we should just switch to drones. I think you can get just as much patriotism out of that,” Barlow said.