A four-year-old boy needs surgery after being hit by a rogue firework at a church display in Christchurch on Friday night.
Leon Timaloa was at the City Church event on Manchester St with his wife and kids when a rocket misfired into the crowd.
His son, Mason, was 15 to 20 metres behind the barrier when the fireworks started coming towards them, burning through three layers of his clothing.
His arm and abdomen area received second- and third-degree burns, leaving him in need of infection-preventing surgery and possible skin grafts.
Ten people were injured.
"In the interest of public safety the event was immediately stopped and we are investigating what went wrong," the church said in a Facebook post.
The event started well, before the "large" rocket fell over and fired at crowd, witness Corey Sutherland told Newshub.
"They misfired into a crowd of families," he said.
"Everyone knew something was wrong, everyone jumped and started running to the back."
He went to the first aid tent to help the injured, including a young girl.
"I spoke to a young girl [who] picked up a baby, turned and protected the baby from being burnt, resulting in herself being burnt in her leg. This girl was only around 10-12 years old, very upset and sore... an absolute hero."
Mr Sutherland promised he'd share her story to make sure she gets "praise" for what she did.
"I'm not sure how many people would have done the same in that split second... I told her she was blimmin' awesome."
Some of those who were injured responded to the church's Facebook post.
"6 burn injuries plus 2 young boys I assessed and sent off with their Mum to the 24hr medical center for ringing in their ears [sic]," wrote Chris Bennett, who thanked the staff for their "great response".
"Hey all my girls were burnt in this event just letting u all know they are doing well we will be in hospital awhile, [sic]" wrote Will Hitchens.
"Our little fella is okay and was a trooper throughout the ordeal," said Leon Timaloa.
Others weren't so charitable.
"This is horrible news," wrote GrayGray Brown. "Shame on you city church!! Clearly a poorly organized event that resulted in people getting hurt even children!?! [sic]"
The church says it's investigating what went wrong and is apologising to the people who were hurt.
WorkSafe NZ is also investigating.
St John Ambulance officer Chris Bennet said he assessed six people for burns and two young boys for ringing in the ears, and they had been sent to a medical centre.
Were you there? Send your story, pics and video to digital@newshub.co.nz.
Newshub.
