Less than 24 hours after the accident, the Breton company which fired the fireworks in Cholet on Thursday July 14 reacted. In a press release, HTP Société, based in Guichen south of Rennes, gives its explanations.
“A malfunction occurred during the firing, resulting in the projection of the products contained in the tubes in the direction of an area prohibited to the public, opposite the spectator area.”
These areas are defined in advance in consultation with the prefecture according to the communication agency which works for the Breton artificer. The six professionals on site intervened immediately. According to the fireworks, it was at this time that they discovered spectators in this area prohibited to the public. Investigations should confirm this.
The first elements of the investigation
According to the public prosecutor of Angers, Eric Bouillard: “a wooden box, containing explosives, located at the level of the launch pad literally exploded”. For the moment, we do not know what triggered this explosion.
A firework went off, horizontally, before exploding near part of the public, located only “30 to 50 meters” from the launch pad, according to the public prosecutor. The Breton pyrotechnician does not manufacture rocketshe buys them from a supplier.
“Deeply shocked by the event, the HTP company is working closely with the authorities to find out the exact circumstances of this tragedy.” A manslaughter and manslaughter investigation has been opened.
The company sends its condolences
“The HTP company would like to express its condolences, support and solidarity to the family and loved ones of the victims.”