Emergency crews responded to a tragic and chaotic scene in a Honolulu neighborhood on New Year’s Day after a large firework blast killed three people and injured more than 20 others, some critically. Two women were pronounced dead at the scene, and a third woman succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. Hawaii Governor Josh Green described the injuries as “war-zone” injuries, emphasizing the severity of the situation. Among the injured were children, and officials warned of the dangers of setting off fireworks in the city.
Police were investigating the incident to determine if charges would be brought against the person who lit the firework that caused the explosion. The blast occurred at a three-story home with a carport, scattering debris and causing damage to neighboring properties. The firework that ignited the blast was a bundle of aerial fireworks called a “cake” that tipped over and fired sideways into crates containing more fireworks, causing a chain reaction of explosions. Ambulance crews had difficulty reaching the scene due to parked cars and crowds in the street, forcing them to triage and prioritize treatment for victims with the most severe injuries.
Despite the tragedy, some individuals in the area continued to set off fireworks, displaying a disregard for the safety and well-being of others. The neighborhood where the explosion took place is located near the airport, a military base, and the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, adding to the significance of the incident as a tragic start to the new year. A fourth person was reported killed in a separate fireworks explosion on Oahu, with several other serious injuries reported in unrelated incidents. Mayor Rick Blangiardi expressed frustration and sadness over the unnecessary loss of life and suffering caused by reckless and illegal fireworks activities.
In response to the incidents, officials vowed to implement tougher penalties for those found possessing large fireworks without proper permits or engaging in illegal fireworks activities. Governor Green highlighted the need for stricter regulations to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The community mourned the loss of life and the severe injuries inflicted by the fireworks explosion, with emergency services personnel describing it as one of the worst calls they had ever experienced in terms of the magnitude of the tragedy and the severity of the injuries. The city urged residents to refrain from setting off fireworks illegally and to adhere to safety regulations to prevent further accidents.
