Fireworks disaster at Costa Blanca spectacular leaves 27 injured in Altea

A spectacular Costa Blanca fireworks display ended in chaos after a pyrotechnic failure left 27 people injured during the famous Castell de l’Olla in Altea.

Thousands of spectators had gathered for one of the Valencia region’s best-known summer fireworks events when something went badly wrong during the display in the early hours of Sunday, August 9.

Around 100,000 people were reportedly watching the fireworks in Altea for the annual event, which has been held for around 40 years and sees fireworks launched from the sea.

Esto ha ocurrido en Altea durante el lanzamiento de un castillo de fuegos artificiales 💀💀 pic.twitter.com/S3pR56tCKL

— Alt Right España 𝕏 (@AltRightEspan) August 9, 2026

27 people injured during Altea fireworks display

According to the organisers, 27 people required medical attention following the incident. Fourteen people were taken to IMED Hospital, with 11 of those patients subsequently transferred to the burns unit at Alicante General University Hospital. Another 13 people were treated at Altea Health Centre and released.

Emergency medical teams stationed at the event also dealt with several casualties before further transfers were arranged. Three patients were taken from the health centre to other hospitals. A 55-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman suffering burns were transported by basic life-support ambulance to Hospital Marina Baixa, while a 19-year-old man with bruising was taken to IMED.

Emergency, medical and security teams were involved in dealing with the incident and evacuating those affected. Organisers of the Castell de l’Olla expressed their deep regret over what happened and thanked emergency workers and security personnel for their response.

Fireworks controversy growing across Spain

Altea’s incident comes as fireworks are facing increased scrutiny in parts of Spain, particularly during the summer wildfire season. Valencia has an unusually strong connection with pyrotechnics, with fireworks and firecrackers forming an important part of celebrations such as Las Fallas. Restrictions on their use can therefore be highly controversial.

Fire safety has nevertheless become a growing concern as periods of extreme heat and dry vegetation increase the danger of wildfires. El Campello, in Alicante province, cancelled a professional fireworks display in July because of extreme wildfire risk after the Valencian authorities raised the region’s fire emergency level.

Catalonia faces a similar debate, with pyrotechnics forming an important part of traditional celebrations while animal welfare campaigners and fire prevention authorities have called for greater restrictions.

Are fireworks becoming too dangerous?

Professional displays such as Castell de l’Olla are subject to safety measures, with fireworks launched from controlled areas and emergency services deployed around major events. Accidents can nevertheless have serious consequences when large crowds are gathered close to a pyrotechnic display.

Animal welfare concerns are also adding another dimension to the debate. Campaigners in Catalonia have argued that loud explosions can cause fear, panic and injury among pets and wildlife.

Public concern has also increased over the use of powerful firecrackers by individuals rather than organised professionals. Authorities in Valencia have previously warned about dangerous behaviour involving modified or excessively powerful fireworks. Questions over pyrotechnic safety are, however, likely to receive renewed attention following an accident that left people requiring hospital treatment, including specialist care for burns.

For the moment, emergency services are continuing to deal with those injured, while the organisers have expressed their concern for everyone affected by the incident.