Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular briefly halted due to severe weather evacuation
Around 20 minutes of evacuation for severe thunderstorms delayed the Boston Pops Fourth of July fireworks, after which the crowd returned to the Hatch Shell to continue the show.
Tens of thousands of spectators at the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Charles River Esplanade were asked to leave the area at about 6 p.m. Saturday after a severe weather alert prompted state police and event organizers to order an evacuation. Attendees took shelter in a nearby tunnel for roughly 20 minutes before being allowed to re-enter the Hatch Shell and resume the program.
Governor Maura Healey praised the emergency response, saying, "They did an excellent job. All these people were able to safely get out, and now they’re back … getting ready for the show. A huge credit to our Massachusetts State Police, to our DCR workforce, to the National Guard, people need to appreciate that there are so many people working around to clock to make sure we get to enjoy a wonderful Fourth of July."
Pops conductor Keith Lockhart, who had spoken earlier about updates to the stage and lighting, expressed optimism that the event would be memorable, noting that "everything is possible if we drop our grievances and come together."