Fireworks explosion leaves 3 dead and 20 wounded on New Year's holiday: officials

Three people have died and more than 20 were injured when a cache of illegal fireworks exploded in Hawaii, according to a report.

First responders were called to Aliamanu in Honolulu County just after the clock struck midnight, marking the start of New Year's Day, the Star-Advertiser reported Wednesday. Paramedics found 22 patients, Honolulu Emergency Medical Services said, according to the report.

“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,” the agency said.

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Rick Blangiardi, the mayor of the city, said in a statement that at least three people died, according to the report.

“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.”

The number of fireworks-related deaths reported each year varies, but recent data shows an average of about 9 to 10 deaths annually in the United States.

An estimated 9,700 Americans were treated in emergency rooms for such injuries in 2023, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. That year, eight fireworks-related deaths were reported, five of which were blamed on misuse of the devices.