Three people were killed and more than 20 others wounded in a gruesome scene at a Honolulu home where thousands of dollars worth of fireworks exploded in a deadly mishap.
Rescuers described a chaotic scene at the three-story home where two women were pronounced dead. A third woman died at a hospital and more than two dozen others suffered graphic injuries.
“We’re talking about the worst possible, war-zone injuries that took their lives,” Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said.
The victims included children some of whom sustained severe burns and shrapnel injuries. Several are listed in critical condition.
Investigators said the blast occurred near midnight when a lit bundle of fireworks dubbed a “cake” tipped over, fell off a table, and fired into piles of additional firework bundles, setting them off.
“I’ve been in EMS over 30 years and this is probably one of the worst calls I’ve ever been on as far as the immense tragedy and amount of patients and severity of the injuries,” said Dr. Jim Ireland, the director of Honolulu’s Emergency Service Department.
Officials are imploring residents to abandon the dangerous New Year’s tradition promising tougher penalties for illegal possession of fireworks.
“We’re angry, frustrated, and deeply saddened at this unnecessary loss of life and suffering. It’s a tragic way to start the new year,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi.
“No one should have to endure such pain due to a reckless and illegal activity.”
