The Glorietta Bay fireworks in San Diego were supposed to last for seventeen minutes on July 4, 2012.

It is one of the most anticipated event of any 4th of July, no matter where you call home. After the hamburgers and hot dogs from the grill have been eaten by all of our family and friends, the fireworks take center stage and wrap up the celebration of America’s Birthday.

Most of the time, the shows are predictable, with an attention-grabbing beginning, a softer middle section, and – the best part – a grand finale.

But, what happens when something goes wrong… and all of the show’s fireworks shoot off at once?

It happened in San Diego this year. The Glorietta Bay fireworks show, billed as one of the largest in the country, was supposed to last for seventeen minutes. But, instead of seeing a tightly choreographed event, a technical glitch caused all of the show’s fireworks to ignite in a span of less than thirty seconds, leaving the audience that had gathered to watch, needless to say, upset.