Rocket hits family watching fireworks from balcony

A family in Brazil were enjoying a New Year's Eve fireworks display from the balcony of their apartment building when a wayward rocket slammed into them, causing burns to two children.

The family were at a home in Vila Portes, near the border with Paraguay when the rogue firework was captured on film, Globo reports.

Children could be heard screaming off-camera as multi-coloured explosions of light illuminated the night sky.

Suddenly a lone rocket appears in the distance, before closing in on the balcony in a matter of seconds and exploding.

The blast caused burns to Rauia Mohamad Sleiman, 25, and his five-year-old nephew and 12-year-old cousin.

The children were quickly rushed to hospital where they were treated for burns.

Mr Sleiman said he would not report the incident to police because he had no idea where the rocket came from or who fired it.

Across Brazil a number of people were injured in similar New Year's fireworks accidents with many requiring hospital treatment.