49ers review safety after fan hit by fireworks debris during Panthers game

SANTA CLARA — The San Francisco 49ers are reviewing their pyrotechnic safety practices after a fan was hit by fireworks debris at Levi’s Stadium before the start of last Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers, officials said.

According to a witness, and confirmed by the team, the fireworks were set off at the end of the national anthem, and a golf-ball-sized remnant fell out of the sky and hit a man in the shoulder. Kickoff was scheduled for 1:05 p.m. that day.

The fan who was hit was taken to a first-aid station as a precaution, team sources said. He eventually made it back to his seat, albeit with a small red welt, to watch the rest of the 49ers’ 51-13 victory that preserved the team’s undefeated record.

But considering the potential for a more serious incident, the team said it investigated the incident of the wayward fragment with the Santa Clara Fire Department, stadium officials and their fireworks supplier. The 49ers also said they are reviewing their safety protocols for future fireworks displays at the venue.

“While this has been described to us as a rare incident, the safety of our patrons is our ultimate priority,” the team said in a statement in response to an inquiry from this news organization.