On a chilly Bonfire Night in Pontypool, Torfaen, what began as a festive family outing quickly turned into a scene of chaos and heroism. Eleven-year-old Olly, attending the fireworks display with his family on November 5, 2025, found himself thrust into a life-or-death moment when a rogue firework toppled over and shot toward the crowd. The explosive, meant to dazzle, instead threatened disaster—especially for Olly’s two-year-old sister, Daisy, standing just a few feet away.
According to BBC Wales, Olly’s mother, Charlotte Baggot, described the harrowing seconds as “a bit of a blur.” She recounted, “It went in slow motion but so fast at the same time.” In that split second, Olly’s instincts kicked in. He shouted to his eight-year-old brother, Harri, to run, then spun Daisy around and pushed her toward their mother—placing himself directly in the firework’s path. The projectile landed in the hood of Olly’s coat and exploded, causing burns to his head, neck, and hands.
Charlotte and other adults rushed to Olly’s aid, tearing off his coat in a desperate attempt to minimize the damage. “He just let out the most horrific scream. The only thing I could think of is ‘get the coat off him’,” Charlotte told WalesOnline. Emergency responders treated Olly at the scene before he was taken to Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran. There, consultants worked in tandem with specialists from Morriston Hospital’s burns unit to assess his injuries.
Though the burns were severe, Charlotte said doctors soon reassured her that Olly’s injuries were “not as bad as first thought” and she expects him to recover “quite quickly.” Still, Olly remained in the hospital overnight and took the week off school to recover. The emotional scars, however, may linger much longer. “We will never be going to a fireworks display again,” Charlotte said. “You think you are doing the safer thing by not doing your own in the garden and going to an organised event, but obviously not.”
The incident left a deep impression on other families present as well. Some described feeling “traumatised” by what they witnessed. One mother, Emma Watkins, posted on Facebook that she would “never be going to a fireworks display again.” The collective shock rippled through the Pontypool community, raising fresh questions about the safety of even well-organized public events.
Olly’s courage, meanwhile, has not gone unnoticed. His mother called him a “superhero,” marveling at his selfless actions: “It just came so naturally to him. He’s just so brave. I’m so glad it wasn’t worse than what it is. I do think he’s a little superhero, I really do.” She added, “I don’t think he realises what a great thing he’s done.”
Olly’s heroism has also been recognized by his peers and mentors in the local community. A spokesperson for Piping Hot Cwmbran, the traditional bagpipe and folk music ensemble in which Olly plays, praised his quick thinking and bravery: “What an amazing young man Olly is. We can’t think of many 11 year olds who would have the foresight to do what he did with total disregard for his own safety. The possible consequences just don’t bear thinking about.”
Olly’s love for music and dedication to his band have long set him apart. The spokesperson continued, “His dedication to the band and to learning to play the pipes has been second to none. We are very, very proud to count you as one of our members Olly. Get well soon Olly, it’s good to see that you are still smiling.”
Despite his positive outlook, Olly was deeply disappointed to learn he would not be able to perform at his hometown’s Remembrance Sunday parade on November 10, 2025, due to his injuries. The event, a significant moment for the Piping Hot Cwmbran band, had been marked on Olly’s calendar for months. Instead, Olly will represent his ensemble by laying a poppy wreath at the parade—a gesture that, while different from his original plan, carries its own weighty symbolism. “Don’t worry Olly, we understand you will still be coming along and will be able to lay the poppy wreath representing our band. We can’t think of a more fitting person to do this on our behalf,” the band’s spokesperson said.
The story of Olly’s bravery has resonated far beyond his immediate circle. For many, it’s a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers that can arise even at community events designed for joy and togetherness. The incident has prompted renewed calls for stricter safety measures at public fireworks displays, with parents and organizers alike reflecting on what more can be done to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Firework safety has long been a topic of concern in the UK, especially surrounding Bonfire Night, an annual celebration that draws crowds in towns and cities across the country. While organized displays are generally considered safer than private backyard events, accidents still occur—sometimes with devastating consequences. In Olly’s case, the quick response of first aiders and the support of medical professionals ensured the best possible outcome, but the incident has left an indelible mark on all involved.
For Charlotte Baggot, the experience has been a sobering one. “You think you are doing the safer thing by not doing your own in the garden and going to an organised event, but obviously not,” she reflected. Her words echo the sentiments of other parents who now find themselves reevaluating the risks associated with public celebrations.
As Olly continues his recovery at home, the community has rallied around him and his family. Messages of support have poured in from friends, neighbors, and strangers alike, many of whom have been moved by his bravery and selflessness. While Olly’s physical wounds are expected to heal, the impact of his actions—and the gratitude of those he protected—will undoubtedly endure.
In the days following the incident, Olly’s story has served as both a cautionary tale and an inspiring example of courage under fire. His willingness to put himself in harm’s way for his little sister has made him a hero in the eyes of many, a title he wears with humility. As his mother put it, “He’s just so brave.”
As the town of Pontypool prepares for its Remembrance Sunday parade, Olly’s presence—wreath in hand—will stand as a testament to the power of quick thinking, love, and the bonds that tie families and communities together, even in the face of unexpected danger.
