Boy treated for ‘open crater in chest’ after being hit by rogue firework at Christmas event

An 11-year-old boy who was struck by an out of control firework at a Christmas carols event in Sydney has been left with an “open crater in his chest”.

Elias Carrera was among nine people injured at Allambie Heights Oval on the Northern Beaches on Sunday night when a fireworks display went wrong.

The boy was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital before being transferred to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead to undergo surgery for severe burns and a chest injury.

In a post shared to social media on Monday, his mother Emma Carrera updated the local community after the “traumatic” night, saying her son had a “large open crater in his chest”.

“We are out [of surgery] and recovering.

“Not as straightforward as they’d hoped with the firework going in further than first thought.”

Horrifying footage from the scene shows people fleeing. Picture / Twitter

The firework pierced Elias’ skin at a downwards angle, reaching his spleen and tearing his abdominal muscles.

The 11-year-old has been left with a partially open wound with plans to close it once it is safe to undergo a second surgery.

“Looks like the burns unit will be home for this week and just so grateful it wasn’t worse – thank you all again for the incredible support – we are truly humbled,” she said.

“Hug those loved ones a wee bit tighter tonight.”

Carrera said she was still in shock from the horrifying experience which terrified her son.

“It’s all a massive blur and it’s going to take some time to get the images of terror on his little face from my memory,” she said. “It was traumatic.”

“He was amazingly brave. We are beyond proud of him. The paramedics were outstanding.”

The young boy had reportedly expressed concern for the other people injured during the event.

“He hopes the other children injured are OK – if anyone can let us know if they are all OK below that would be great,” Carrera said.

Horrifying footage taken at the scene shows the glittering display light up the sky as the crowds watched on from below before an out-of-control firework fell from the sky.

ROGUE FIREWORKS LAUNCHES INTO ALLAMBIE CAROLS CROWD

9:45pm 11 December: Some rogue fireworks launched into the crowd at the carols at Allambie Heights Oval this evening just after 9pm.

We understand it was a a group of young people who have been treated for burns. pic.twitter.com/wJk61VmVRs

— Manly Observer (@ManlyObserver) December 11, 2022

Hundreds gathered in Allambie Heights Oval to watch the family-friendly event before the fireworks display capped off the evening around 9pm on Sunday night.

Emergency services were called to Allambie Heights Oval about 9.30pm and upon arrival were told a firework had “shot into a crowd” during the event.

An 8-year-old girl was also taken to Northern Beaches Hospital for treatment of burns and a wrist injury. She has since been released.

A 12-year-old boy was taken to hospital by his parents for minor burns and has since been released.

Six others people were treated at the scene by NSW Rural Fire Service for minor injuries, and left before paramedics and police arrived.

A crime scene was established and SafeWork NSW attended the scene on Monday.