Explosion caused by illegal fireworks kills three in Hawaii's Honolulu

Illegal fireworks cause deadly explosion in Hawaii, leaving three dead and over 20 injured.

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A New Year’s Eve celebration in Honolulu turned tragic after an explosion, reportedly caused by illegal fireworks, killed at least three people and left over 20 others hospitalized with critical injuries.

The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Keaka Drive when emergency responders were called to a home where the explosion took place.

According to Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan, two women were pronounced dead at the scene, and a third woman later succumbed to her injuries.

The identities of the victims have not been released. Police are conducting a preliminary investigation and have gathered evidence from nearby surveillance footage and witness statements.

Logan stated that the explosion was triggered when a person at the party lit an aerial cake, a device containing multiple aerial fireworks, in the driveway.

The cake fell over, causing fireworks to shoot into nearby crates, resulting in the devastating explosion. The blast was intense enough to cause traumatic injuries, with some victims suffering severe burns and blast-type injuries.

Dr. Jim Ireland, Director of Honolulu Emergency Services, reported that the majority of those hospitalized suffered critical burns, with three children among the injured. An additional 10 to 15 individuals sustained minor injuries, some of whom were treated on-site.

The incident has been classified as a mass casualty event, with more than a dozen ambulances responding to the scene. The explosion caused extensive damage and prompted the closure of nearby Salt Lake Boulevard for medical operations.

 

 

 

 

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First responders and local authorities have expressed shock at the severity of the injuries, with some comparing the scene to combat conditions due to the intensity of the explosion.

Hawaii’s Governor Josh Green and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi both condemned the use of illegal fireworks. Governor Green, who visited the scene, extended his condolences and noted that despite efforts to curb the trade of illegal fireworks, challenges persist. “We must continue to work together to prevent tragedies,” he said, referencing the establishment of the Illegal Fireworks Task Force, which has seized over 227,000 pounds of illegal fireworks to date.

Mayor Blangiardi echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for stronger enforcement and tougher penalties to combat the illegal fireworks trade. “This is absurd and unacceptable,” he said. Blangiardi also called for greater efforts to prevent the import of illegal fireworks into the state.

The incident has sparked renewed discussions on the dangers posed by illegal fireworks and the need for heightened regulation and enforcement to ensure the safety of residents in Hawaii.