Tens of thousands of people gathered to celebrate Independence Day and watch the fireworks from Point State Park, the Central Business District, North Shore, Mount Washington, and the West End on July 4th.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS treated a total of 33 patients from around the city related to the Fourth of July celebrations. Four patients were transported to the hospital.

The majority of those were treated when someone in Point State Park reportedly set off firecrackers during the official display, causing groups of people to run from the area, believing shots had been fired. Several people received minor injuries inside the park and were treated and released, except for a 70-year-old female who suffered a head injury and was transported to the hospital. Three people were also treated for minor injuries when a firecracker was set off near the Wyndham Hotel just outside the park.

Downtown, Narcotics and Vice detectives made two drug-related arrests, while officers issued four non-traffic citations for disorderly conduct, harassment, and fighting.   
The Fireworks Task Force was called to investigate multiple fireworks-related complaints from around the city, with some citations handed out.

“I would like to thank all of our Department of Public Safety personnel for their professionalism and hard work in keeping people safe during the busy Fourth of July holiday. There were larger-than-usual crowds and Police, Fire, EMS, and the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security were readily accessible and available to assist with emergencies and incidents,” said Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt.