Multiple injuries after fireworks set off during Dua Lipa concert in Toronto, police say - Action News
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Multiple injuries after fireworks set off during Dua Lipa concert in Toronto, police say

A packed crowd of Dua Lipa fans were given a shock when a number of unauthorized fireworks were set off near the end of her performance at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night.

Police are investigating the incident

Dua Lipa performs at the United Center on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, in Chicago.
Toronto police say three people were injured as unplanned fireworks were set off during the finale of Dua Lipa's concert at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday. (Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP)

A packed crowd of Dua Lipa fans were given a shock when a number of unauthorized fireworks were set off near the end of her performance at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night.

Videos taken during the singer's final song show a number of fireworks exploding across the floor section near the sound booth. Fans can be seen running away as the projectiles went off.

Toronto police say three people were injured during the incident. They were seen by venue medics and none required any further medical attention.

Lipasaid in a statement posted to Instagram there's an ongoing investigation after"unauthorized fireworks went off." She also apologized to her fans.

"Creating a safe and inclusive space at my shows is always my first priority, and my team and I are just as shocked and confused by the events as you all are," she said in her statement.

"Bringing this show to life for my fans has been such an amazing experience, and I'm so deeply sorry for anyone who was scared, felt unsafe or whose enjoyment of the show was affected in any way."

It's unclear how fireworks were able to be transported into the venue. Many concert goers expressed concern on social media that attendees could have been seriously hurt.

"Something worse could have easily happened," said Twitter user@yossariayv.

Others suggested the security checks before the concert may not have been thorough enough.

"The security last night for the premium gate barely checked any of the bags," said another Twitter user. "They didn't even look or touch mine or my friends.

"They just seemed so rushed."

Video shows singer looking startled

Police say there is currently no information about suspects, but they are working with security at the arena to review video surveillance.

Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which owns and operates Scotiabank Arena, said it ishelpingpolice with the investigation.

"Creating a safe and secure venue for every attendee at Scotiabank Arena is MLSE's top priority," the organization said in an email statement provided to CBC News.

Lipawas thanking fans and dancing when the incident happened. A video posted to Twitter shows her looking startled the moment the fireworks were set off.

The concert was part of the pop singer's much-anticipated Future Nostalgia Tour, which had been announced in 2019 to promote its namesake album and postponed numerous times due to COVID-19.

Mayor John Tory says he wants to see jail time for the perpetrators and hopessomeone from the public with information will come forward.

"To have somebody set off fireworks in a crowded arena, where people said it sounded like gunshots think of the reaction that could have caused in terms of people being trampled to death," he said during a news conference.

Toronto police chief James Ramer said he was relieved no one was hurt, but added the perpetrators will be charged when they are caught.

"We'll make every effort to identify who was involved."

With a file from CBC Toronto