THIS is the dramatic moment when a firework display in Bolton went horribly wrong in front of thousands of shocked spectators.

An onlooker captured the drama on video camera as a giant firework — being lit by a display technician — exploded in his face, shaking the ground and sparking panic.

The freak accident at Bradshaw Cricket Club on Saturday night left the 46-year-old with a suspected broken jaw and burns to his face — only protective clothing saved the man’s life.

The explosion caused panic among the large crowd which had gathered to watch the spectacular annual event.

Michelle Garside, aged 38, from Bromley Cross, who captured the moment on film was watching with her three-year-old son, Thomas, and her parents, Ronnie and Jean.

She said: “There was a big ‘boom’ and the ground shook. We were 30 metres back but I knew something bad had happened. It wasn’t rightthat big bang. It was scary. Security men came running, telling the crowd to get back, and then fire engines and ambulances arrived.”

The firework display resumed once the man had been taken to hospital.

Display director Darryl Fleming, of Cambridgeshire-based Kimbolton Fireworks, said: “It’s very unusual for a firework to malfunction in this manner. However, fireworks can be dangerous and there is no guarantee that they will perform as prescribed every time.

“It is for this reason that the safety distances are enforced for the public and the firers wear personal protective equipment.”

Mr Fleming said his colleague would be fit enough to run other displays this week.