Park-goers attending Fireworks at the Fountain, the city’s annual Independence Day celebration, began scrambling shortly after the fireworks began around 9:45 p.m. [TRENDING: Become a News 6 Insider] Orlando police said it was believed someone threw firecrackers or some other type of firework into the crowd and the noise was mistaken for gunshots. Police said there was no evidence that shots were fired. About a dozen people were injured during the riot, which was caught on video. Park visitors began running away, seeking shelter, and some even jumped into Lake Eola to escape the apparent danger. one D “This whole area (area) was filled with people just trampling everybody. We were trampled. We were pinned to the ground,” said one woman. “We saw people running and everyone started running. I do not know. It was scary,” one man told News 6 anchor Matt Austin as the fireworks show continued. “I have no idea what happened. All I know is that I’m not trying to die, so we tried to get out as fast as possible,” said another woman. No arrests have been made, but Orlando police are seeking more information about the scare, saying, “Our officers remain in Lake Eola in an effort to confirm what led to the confusion (Monday night) during the fireworks display. Your help is needed! If you were in this area approx. 9:50 p.m., (call) our non-emergency line, 321-235-5300 or Crimeline.” OPD Chief Deputy Eric Smith says the department does not believe there was an active gunman at the Lake Eola Fourth of July fireworks celebration where a crowd was seen fleeing. Check back for updates. Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All Rights Reserved.
