Accidental pyro discharge today in Epcot?

[DVCconvert]

About 3:30pm this afternoon, I heard some fireworks go off in the world showcase lagoon. Just wondering if there are any Epcot CM's here that knew if this was an accident, and if so, was anyone hurt?
(praying that there wasn't).

 

[dandaman]

Hopefully, this wasn't another incident like on September 19th...

20 September 2005: Reflections of Earth technical problems

Yesterday around 4pm, there was an explosion on the inferno barge in the World Showcase Lagoon. The problem was with the Air Launch Firework (ALF) system on the inferno barge. The ALF shell exploded whilst still inside the launch tube. Thankfully nobody was injured, but it is a reminder on the dangers the pyro crews around WDW face on a daily basis.

Both ALF systems (on the UK pavilion and on the inferno barge), have been pulled from the show whilst investigations are ongoing.

 

[GymLeaderPhil]

Oh no, not again...

 

[wdwmagic]

It was probably some daytime pyro at one of the world showcase pavilions. It does happen from time to time for various special events.

 

[Shaman]

It was probably some daytime pyro at one of the world showcase pavilions. It does happen from time to time for various special events.

That's my thinking too...don't they set up the barges later in the afternoon?

 

[wdwmagic]

That's my thinking too...don't they set up the barges later in the afternoon?

They are setting up the barges in the marina behind China for a lot of the day, so technically a problem there would be heard around the park. The barges come out into the lagoon late afternoon. I have not heard anything suggesting this is a problem, so at the moment I am assuming its day-time pyro.

 

[keviekev05]

I was at Epcot today as well, and I heard the noise from inside the Liberty Inn. About 10-15 minutes later, we were walking out and saw that some barges were already out and the globe was moving across the lagoon as well. Just adding that in for y'all!

 

[LongballMG]

Oh god no... please...not again...

 

[tink rules]

Last time I stayed at the GF, we heard fireworks in the middle of the night - we wondered what it was about and they told us at the resort that before they can set up for the next show, they need to detonate any unexploded shells. That may have explained it.

 

[WDWKat26]

Yeah I was there @ 3:30 and didn't see or hear anything, and I was just walking towards Mexico at that point.

 

[DVCconvert]

Yeah I was there @ 3:30 and didn't see or hear anything, and I was just walking towards Mexico at that point.

I can only report my observations.
I was in the BWV's about 3:30PM, 2nd floor, near the screen door store. I heard the unmistakable sounds of fireworks. I went to my balcony and saw a significant smoke plume which at the time I believe had come from the center area of the world showcase lagoon. I also observed illuminations tonight from the same point of view. From that, I feel sure that the point of origin for the smoke plume I saw this afternoon appears correct.

 

[Brent]

More firework mishaps at EPCOT can't they keep themselfs under control those pyro nuts lol I just hope this is the last problem we have w/ fireworks for a while & hopefully all the fireworks go off w/o a prob. for all of us going soon.

 

[MrNonacho]

More firework mishaps at EPCOT can't they keep themselfs under control those pyro nuts lol

We don't even have confirmation that anything unintentional happened. These so-called "pyro nuts" take safety very seriously, and I don't think it's appropriate to take a possible accident so lightly.

Anyway, it's very easy to mistake one thing for another. Just after the ALF mishap, someone posted and said that they thought they heard pyro going off behind China. It turns out it was actually a display from the Mexico rooftop to celebrate Mexico's Independence Day.

 

[Connor002]

I wouldn't worry about it...

 

[Thrawn]

Possibly related to:

November 5th -

United Kingdom and New Zealand - Guy Fawkes night (also called Bonfire night; or Fireworks night): Failure of the Gunpowder Plot to blow up Parliament in 1605 is celebrated with bonfires and fireworks.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/November_5

 

[CrashNet]

There wasn't any un suspected pyro discharge today as far as I know. The barges are brought out around 3:30-4:30 each day. There is the possibility that something went off backstage. If you look carefully, they are testing effects during illuminations for the tag this year. For example, tonight they used the long range perimeters that fire deep into the center of the lagoon, something they haven't used nearly all year. Which by the way, I freaking LOVE those long range perimeters. The big sound and the power behind them nearly takes your breath away. If you ever want to be near one, for those of you who don't know, each torch has launcher close by it. Just stand near one of the torches and your set.

The Illuminations Peace On Earth tag starts the day after Thanksgiving! Can't wait!

 

[philsfan2185]

yeah, it was over in UK for Guy Fawkes Day. Thrawn beat me to it haha.

 

[bgraham34]

The Illuminations Peace On Earth tag starts the day after Thanksgiving! Can't wait!

I can't wait for that either.

 

[mikeymouse]

Ok, now that you brought it to everyones attention, I will explain what really happened ..... It wasn't a fireworks mishap like you all think. I was eating at the Biergarten and just walked out by the fountain when it hit....BOOM I farted :lookaroun

 

[bsummer]

Fireworks

Last time I stayed at the GF, we heard fireworks in the middle of the night - we wondered what it was about and they told us at the resort that before they can set up for the next show, they need to detonate any unexploded shells. That may have explained it.

I used to work at the Grand (past tense because I was a CP) and depending on when you were there, this past Spring they were rehearsing for Cinderellabration in the middle of the night and they set off pyros in the show. So that may be what happened to you. As for EPCOT...who knows.

P.S. have fun on the "Grand" Tour!!:sohappy: