A Brazilian mother was killed ‘in front of her children’ when a firework got stuck in her clothes and exploded at an event celebrating New Year.
Elisangela Tinem, 38, died from wounds to her chest as there was no time for anyone to remove the explosive.
A murder investigation has been launched after the tragedy on a beach in Praia Grande in Brazil.
Partygoers screamed and fled after a ‘huge flash’ as 2023 arrived.
Mother-of-two Elisangela’s children are reported to have witnessed her horrific death.
Eyewitnesses revealed that a number of unauthorised fireworks displays were taking place on the beach.
‘I saw a huge flash just as it turned midnight and I was hugging my mum and then everyone started screaming’, Luiza Ferreira, 20, said.
‘I saw a woman lying on the ground bleeding when I went to look and the boy who was with her was also on the ground. Other people were running to get away from the area.’
Tributes have poured in for Elisangela, who was laid to rest at a funeral on Monday afternoon in Sao Paulo, the city she came from.
‘What a tragedy! May God comfort the heart of the whole family and give her eternal rest’, one person wrote.
Elisangela Tinem, 38, a Brazilian mum of 2 boys died when a firework got stuck in her clothes and exploded on New Year's Day. pic.twitter.com/WI7SraruEQ
— OnlinePikin (@Online_Pikin) January 3, 2023
Another friend wrote on social media: “I cannot believe what has happened. My love to all the family. Please God comfort your hearts at this awful time. I am praying for you.’
A cousin, 41, of the victim is understood to have told police the firework exploded after getting stuck in Elisangela’s clothes.
The person who sent the rocket up into the air is not thought to have been located yet.
It has been confirmed the pyrotechnic device had not been lit by the family.
A homicide investigation is now underway that is expected to lead to manslaughter charges.