What was supposed to be a celebratory lesson in American history has sent three children to the hospital . They were a part of a Civil War re-enactment group watching a parade in Orem , Utah , when a cannon set off an explosion Saturday . Witnesses said two of the three children injured were initially engulfed in flames , according to CNN affiliate KUTV . `` When the flames went up in the air these three children started crying . One little girl 's clothes were on fire , we 're told , '' witness Brittany Tait told KUTV . `` People were running with water to douse her . '' The blast happened at the start of the parade , the city 's Department of Public Safety said . The cannon was fired , and a spark landed on a pouch containing additional charges for the cannon . The smoldering ember set off the contents of the pouch , blowing it up and injuring all three children , the press release explained . The extent of the children 's injuries was not immediately known Sunday , but authorities said they were in stable condition when they were transported to a nearby hospital .
An accident at a Civil War re - enactment sends three children to the hospital . Spark from a fire sets off additional charges . Witnesses say two of the children were engulfed in flames .