EXETER TWP, Pa. – Cheers, banners, and everyone in black… all traditions of Exeter Township Senior High School’s Homecoming Football Game.
But there’s one tradition that after Thursday night, will never happen again.
“We were on the one hill, and we were watching as they go to ignite it, and boom,” said Ashyln Szweda, a senior at Exeter Township Senior High School.
The bonfire lit with the Exeter Township Volunteer Firefighters at the end of the annual homecoming parade…
Turned into an explosion.
“You really did feel it more than you heard it. And then you saw the pieces come flying,” said Szweda.
In a statement, the school district says at least one person was hit by debris but not seriously hurt
“It’s tragic that someone had to go through something like that, especially like having a fun moment,” said Joselyn Mendez, a student at Exeter Township Senior High School.
The district will be discontinuing the homecoming parade bonfire for the foreseeable future.
Students we spoke with say it’s sad to see a longtime tradition go.
“It kind of sucks for, like, the younger generations. It’s a shame they’ll miss out on it,” said Szweda.
“I’m just glad that we got to experience it at least one last time. But it’s definitely unfortunate that future generations won’t,” said Chase Zeignfuse, a senior at Exeter Township Senior High School.
But due to the safety risks, say they support putting the tradition to rest.
“This kind of took it a little too far. And it is a safety hazard if they do it again,” said Szweda.
“We’re never gonna experience it again, but I understand because something happening like that is a big risk,” said Adriana Miceli, a student at Exeter Township Senior High School.