The Honolulu Star-Advertiser
(TNS)
At least three people are dead and over 20 wounded after a fireworks cache exploded around midnight in Aliamanu.
Honolulu Emergency Medical Services said personnel responded at 12:01 a.m. today to Keaka Drive to an explosion with “multiple patients injured from an apparent firework blast. Multiple ambulance crews and Field Operations Supervisors responded. Paramedics on scene were able to identify a total of 22 patients.”
“Of the 22 patients, 2 were pronounced dead on scene and 20 were transported in serious or critical condition to various hospitals throughout the island, ” according to EMS.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi issued a written statement this morning saying that “at least three people ” were killed.
“It is with both frustration and sorrow that I address the tragedy that occurred last night in Salt Lake just after midnight on New Year’s Eve, ” he said. “A massive explosion caused by what appears to be illegal fireworks claimed at least three lives and left over 20 others critically injured. This incident is a painful reminder of the danger posed by illegal fireworks, which put lives at risk, drain our first responder resources, and disrupt our communities.”
Honolulu police and firefighters also responded to the explosion.
The Honolulu Police Department said in a social media post at 1 :45 am., “Major Incident in the Salt Lake area. This is a fireworks-related incident with multiple casualties. HPD, HFD, and EMS are on the scene providing care and security. Please avoid the area, ” read a tweet from the Honolulu Police Department at 1 :45 am.
HPD told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser early this morning that the casualty numbers are not confirmed and investigators remained at the scene on Keaka Drive.
Honolulu Fire Department officials said in a news released that they received a 911 call at 11 :59 p.m. and responded to a medical emergency at 4137 Keaka Drive in Aliamanu with one unit and four personnel.
“The first unit arrived on scene at 12 : 07 a.m., at the same time as Emergency Medical Services, to find multiple people injured due to a fireworks explosion at the exterior of the residence. An additional eight HFD units were requested.
“HFD personnel found that there was no fire, assessed the structure, conducted a search and assisted EMS with patient triage, treatment and transport to the awaiting ambulance units. Tragically, there were two fatalities.”
HFD said the American Red Cross was contacted to assist the displaced resident and that an investigation has begun to determine the cause of the explosion and to provide damage estimates.
In other fireworks-related incidents around midnight, EMS said crews responded to Lukela Lane in Kalihi at 11:04 p.m. for a 19-year-old man with “multiple traumatic injuries, including a severe arm injury, from a suspected firework blast.” He was treated and taken in critical condition to a hospital.
At 11:27 p.m. for a patient who suffered a traumatic hand injury from a suspected fireworks blast. The patient had been driven to a Honolulu Fire Department station in Nanakuli where paramedics treated him then took him in serious condition to a hospital.
To Linapuni Street in Kalihi at 12 :04 a.m for a male who suffered an extensive hand injury from “an apparent firework explosion.” Paramedics treated him and transported him in serious condition to a trauma center.
At 12 :06 a.m to Kuhia Place in Ewa where a 59-year-old woman and a 72-year-old man suffered “minor burn injuries to their legs in a firework-related incident.” Paramedics treated the patients and took them in minor condition to a hospital.
“Year after year, a minority of individuals recklessly endanger us all. This is absurd and unacceptable, ” Blangiardi said in his statement. “My administration remains committed to working with federal and state agencies to shut down this illegal firework trade once and for all. We will push for stronger enforcement, tougher penalties, new technologies, and a united effort to stop the import of illegal fireworks.
“Our communities deserve better. We cannot allow this senseless danger to persist, and we will take decisive action to ensure the safety and well-being of Oahu residents.”
In a separate statement, Gov. Josh Green offered condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed, and expressed his gratitude to EMS, HPD and HFD for acting “swiftly and heroically to provide care under extremely difficult circumstances.”
“Because combating illegal fireworks has been a priority, we established the Illegal Fireworks Task Force in 2023 to identify and disrupt supply chains, ” Green said. “It has seized 227, 000 pounds of illegal fireworks to date, but incidents like this remind us of the ongoing challenges we face.
“We must continue to work together to prevent tragedies. I urge residents to report illegal activity and to prioritize safety. My administration remains committed to protecting our communities and preventing further loss.”
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