An illegal fireworks cache exploded during a New Year’s Eve celebration on O’ahu, resulting in the tragic deaths of three individuals and leaving over 25 others injured.
Arriving at the scene around midnight, first responders were met with a chaotic and intense scene at the home on Keaka Drive in the Salt Lake-Aliamanu neighborhood. They described it as resembling a warzone.
According to Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan, an individual ignited a cake of aerial fireworks in close proximity to the carport of the residence. As a result, the fireworks either fell onto its side or caused the table it was resting on to topple over, subsequently striking crates containing additional illicit fireworks. This sequence of events ultimately led to the eruption of an explosion.
According to officials, two females were declared dead at the scene, while another 23-year-old female succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. The identities of the deceased have not been disclosed.
Twenty-three adults and three juveniles suffered life-threatening burns and shrapnel injuries, necessitating their immediate transportation to multiple hospitals.
According to Dr. Jim Ireland, director of the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, the total number of injuries remains unclear due to the presence of individuals with minor injuries or those who arrived at the hospital in private vehicles.
Ireland emphasized that the incident involved not only a fire but also a powerful explosion, akin to the detonation of a bomb.
We safely removed additional fireworks that were found in the home.
During a press conference held on Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Josh Green and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi expressed their belief that stricter laws and penalties are necessary to prevent the distribution of illegal fireworks to residents.
Blangiardi also pointed out the importance of utilizing technology to screen cargo and other containers entering the island.
Green and Blangiardi emphasized the importance of community members being mindful and refraining from participating in the act of lighting off illegal fireworks. They highlighted that this incident serves as a clear demonstration of how such actions pose a significant threat to public safety.
During his visit to the site, Green expressed his concern about the possibility of an increase in the death toll resulting from the explosion.
The source of the fireworks remains unknown, but the ongoing investigation could lead to potential federal charges.
The investigation also involves the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.