Hula performer Bunny Star suffered burns to her back after NYE firework mishap

One of the fireworks fixed to her hoop was facing inwards not outwards

Ms Star is suing for $750,000 claiming physical and mental injury

Foti fireworks has had two staff killed in fires in its 15 years

A HULA hoop performer is taking on Australia’s biggest fireworks producers over an on-stage accident at Sydney’s ­famous New Year’s Eve celebrations that left her with horrific burns.

Bunny Star was booked to perform by Foti International Fireworks for the finale of the pre-fireworks show at 9pm at Cockle Bay Wharf in 2013. Fireworks were meant to shoot out from her hoop as she performed.

But one firework was fixed to her hoop facing inwards instead of outwards, causing her to be engulfed in sparks in front of 50,000 people, ­including many children.

It is the fourth serious accident for Foti International Fireworks in 15 years. Two staff have been killed in fires and two injured, one seriously.

Ms Star, who changed her name to Bunny Star, is now seeking up to $750,000 in the Sydney District Court for personal injury damages she says were caused by Foti Fireworks’ negligence.

“It’s been devastating. I’ve been deeply injured both physically and psychologically,” Ms Star said.

media_camera Bunny Star, who is the owner and director of Australia's first hulahoop business, near her home in Waverton, Sydney. Picture: Brett Costello

media_camera The burns: Bunny Star is now suing the fireworks company.

The performer of 10 years experience feared for other people’s safety because of the renowned firework producer’s accident record: “I am extremely concerned for Foti’s employees, for the safety of the public and for the safety of other performers.”

type_quote_start `I felt a massive impact to my back. The firework hit my body again and I realised I was being torched’ type_quote_end

But Foti, which is fighting the personal injury claim, ­defended its safety record with finance manager Vince Foti saying he had complete confidence in the company’s ability to keep workers, the public and performers safe.

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Ms Star said she was excited when she was booked to perform for NYE. But as she hula-hooped on the barge stage and pressed the fireworks igniter she knew something was seriously wrong.

media_camera The accident took place during the Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks celebrations.

“I felt a massive impact to my back. The firework hit my body again and I realised I was being torched,” she said.

Ms Star said she sustained partial thickness burns and narrowly escaped needing a skin graft. The accident means she can only teach at about 30 per cent of her old capacity and has not performed since the incident.

Although Foti International admits they were ­responsible for installing the fireworks they dispute the ­extent of Ms Star’s injuries.