Emergency responders faced a horrific scene in a Honolulu community following a deadly New Year’s fireworks incident. A sizable firework tipped over shortly after being ignited, causing an explosive blast that resulted in three fatalities and over 20 injuries, many of which were critical.
Authorities reported that two women died at the scene, while a third succumbed to her injuries in the hospital. In response to the tragedy, local officials urged residents to reconsider their New Year’s fireworks traditions. They have pledged stricter enforcement against illegal fireworks usage.
During a press briefing, Hawaii Governor Josh Green vividly described the nature of the injuries, likening them to “the worst possible, war-zone injuries” resulting in fatalities. Among those injured were children, though specific details about the victims have yet to be released by officials.
Honolulu Police Chief Arthur Logan indicated that an investigation is underway to determine if the individual who ignited the fireworks near midnight should face charges. The explosion erupted at a three-story residence that had a carport on the ground floor; debris and remnants of firework materials could still be seen scattered outside.
The explosion shattered windows in the vicinity. It occurred when a bundle of aerial fireworks known as a “cake” tipped over and discharged sideways, igniting additional fireworks stored in crates nearby, which then exploded. This particular firework was ignited as a bundle of 50, part of what authorities estimate to be tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of fireworks in the area.
Ambulance services had to set up a triage area several homes away due to congested streets from parked vehicles and bystanders, explained Dr. Jim Ireland, Director of the Honolulu Emergency Services Department. Shockingly, some individuals in the neighborhood continued to light fireworks even as victims were being transported to medical facilities.
The location of the explosion is close to Honolulu’s international airport and a U.S. Air Force and Navy base, situated about 2 miles from the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, which commemorates sailors lost during the Pearl Harbor attack that marked America’s entry into World War II.
Dr. Ireland, who has over three decades of experience in emergency medical services, expressed that this incident was amongst the most tragic he has encountered, given the severity of injuries and the number of victims involved.
Additionally, a fourth person lost their life in a separate fireworks explosion on Oahu, alongside four other severe injuries linked to unrelated fireworks events during the night.
Social media activity revealed that many were setting off fireworks across large portions of Honolulu, despite the legality issues surrounding aerial fireworks, sparklers, and fountains, which are prohibited without a permit as mandated by the Honolulu Fire Department.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi expressed outrage and sorrow over the needless loss of life, stating, “It’s a tragic way to start the new year,” emphasizing that no individual should endure such hardship due to reckless behavior. Governor Green is contemplating the introduction of new legal penalties, including felony charges for possession of large fireworks, to deter such incidents in Hawaii.
