Onstage pyro explosion kills Spanish singer

A woman has died after being hit by an exploding pyrotechnic device while performing at a festival in northern Spain.

Joana Sáinz García, 30, was onstage as part of the Super Hollywood Orchestra at the closing night of four-day festival in the town of Las Berlanas, 130 kilometres northwest of Madrid. It is believed the group were playing to a crowd of 1,000.

A pyrotechnic device exploded near the singer, knocking her unconscious. Sáinz García later died in hospital.

Local promoter Prones 1SL, who represents the group, says the “regrettable incident” was prompted by a manufacturing error.

The promoter’s managing director, Isidro López, told reporters that the performers had been working with the flare-like pyrotechnic devices for the past five to six years, setting off over 2,000 devices without experiencing any issues.

A tribute issued by Prones 1SL reads: “[Joana] always acted in an exemplary manner, both in her personal and artistic life. Her absence will be felt by all of us.”

The show was the last in a four-date run for the 15-member group, which includes dancers, singers and musicians.

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