10 worst 4th of July accidents

A list of July 4th celebrations that went sideways.

Here’s a list by WatchMojo.com of the craziest 4th of July accidents in recent memory, presented in chronological order.

1. National Mall Fireworks Frenzy (1987)

In 1987, the National Mall in Washington, D.C. became chaotic when a flame from fireworks struck Kathy Eldreth. She suffered third-degree burns and was one of four hospitalised. Moisture in the air contributed to unforeseen accidents, causing a rain of charred firework paper.

 

2. Truck Explosion (2009)

In 2009, a truck carrying fireworks for Ocracoke Island's annual display exploded, killing four workers. Fireworks didn’t return to the island for seven years due to the tragedy.

 

3. Simi Valley Fireworks Fail (2013)

A 2013 fireworks show in Simi Valley, California, went awry when a pyrotechnic shell caused a chain reaction, sending fireworks into the audience and injuring dozens.

 

4. The Perilous Parade (2013)

In 2013, Aidan Hooper tragically died after falling from a float during the LibertyFest Fourth of July Parade in Edmond, Oklahoma. His family established a legacy fund in his memory.

 

5. Explosives in Central Park (2016)

In 2016, Connor Golden lost his foot after stepping on a homemade explosive in Central Park. The incident interrupted a nearby funeral service, highlighting the danger of improperly handled explosives.

 

6. The Beginning of a Stay Safe Campaign (2017)

In 2017, Aaden Valdez's life changed in a flash at a neighbourhood block party in Colorado. After a firework exploded in his hand, Valdez lost four fingers and his left eye, requiring four surgeries. Despite his injuries, Valdez pursued his passion for wrestling and became an advocate for firework safety, distributing 1,500 safety glasses and creating a safety tips colouring book.

 

7. A Spark Goes Out Too Soon (2017)

Austin McCloud, a young husband and father, died during Independence Day celebrations when a malfunctioning firework struck him. Despite attempts to save him, McCloud succumbed to his injuries.

 

8. Anarchy On Sixth Street Bridge (2023)

In 2023, illegal fireworks on L.A.’s Sixth Street Bridge caused chaos, with one person using a homemade rocket launcher. Despite the danger, there were no reported injuries.

 

9. Long Island Car Crash (2023)

A car crash in Long Island, caused by a driver with twice the legal blood alcohol limit, resulted in multiple fatalities and severe injuries, including a baby who survived with minor injuries.

 

10. Jesse William Burley (2023)

In a bizarre accident in Fargo, North Dakota, Jesse William Burley was beheaded by a firework. The tragic event shocked the community and highlighted the dangers of mishandling fireworks.