A truckload of firecrackers explodes in front of a terrified crowd after they are accidentally set off

This is the moment a truckload of firecrackers explodes in front of a terrified crowd after they were accidentally detonated – resulting in a £7,670 fine for the organizer.

Up to 2,000 people watched Craig Robinson’s demonstration as a stray rocket headed for an open truck full of pyrotechnics.

It pierced a thin plastic cover protecting the mass of firecrackers and ignited them all at once.

Video of the moment flames shot into the night sky while firecrackers were fired in all directions from the back of the vehicle was shown in court.

Up to 2,000 people watched Craig Robinson’s demonstration as a stray rocket headed for an open truck filled with firecrackers

There was widespread “fear” in the crowd as some shocked onlookers shielded their children from the danger while others hid under chairs.

The accidental fire lasted three minutes before organizers put it out.

Immediately afterwards, the commentator can be heard in the footage: “Not quite as we had planned.”

The incident happened on November 6, 2021 at the Ringwood Raceway site in Matchams, Dorset.

Robinson, the sole director of Ringwood Raceway, pleaded guilty to storing explosives and failing to take adequate action to prevent explosions at Poole Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard the truck shouldn’t have been near the rest of the exhibit and that the thin plastic sheeting wasn’t enough to protect the fireworks from a stray rocket.

Syan Ventom, Prosecutor, said: “Mr Robinson is the sole director of Ringwood Raceway and has hosted events like this for many years.

“On November 6, between 1,600 and 2,000 people were present on the track.

It pierced a thin plastic cover protecting the mass of pyrotechnics and ignited them all at once

The accidental fire lasted three minutes before organizers put it out

“Between races, he planned to have fireworks in the middle of the oval racetrack.

“I should say that the distance between the fireworks and the spectators was not an issue.

“A vehicle containing other fireworks was parked next to the exhibit.

“They were only protected by a plastic sheet, which was clearly inadequate.

“A scatter firework melted through and ignited everyone else. The vehicle was too close to the display.”

Mitigatingly, Nick Robinson stressed that his client fully accepted his actions and took the necessary steps to ensure that something like this never happened again.

He said: “Mr Robinson has been doing displays like this since 2008 and there have been no other incidents like this.

“He accepts that the fireworks in the back of that truck should have been better protected and the truck itself shouldn’t have been there.

“He has pleaded guilty and accepts full responsibility for this event.

“Fortunately, none of the fireworks caused any real damage, but it did raise fears of damage in the area.”

The incident happened on November 6, 2021 at the Ringwood Raceway site in Matchams, Dorset

After viewing video footage of the truck exploding with firecrackers, the judges convicted him.

David Murray, presiding judge, told Robinson: “This shouldn’t have happened but it happened because you weren’t paying attention and you didn’t apply the health and safety rules.

“Your lawyer informed us that you have already changed the risk assessment. It is by the grace of God that no one was harmed. You are a very lucky man.’

Robinson was ordered to pay a fine of £3,780 and a further £3,700 to cover prosecution costs.