A New Year’s Eve fireworks explosion in a HonoluluA neighborhood in the area killed at least three people and seriously injured 20 others, authorities said.
The accident happened shortly before midnight in front of a house, the Honolulu Fire Department said in a statement.
The neighborhood is near the Honolulu International Airport and a joint U.S. Air Force and Navy base and just over 2 miles (3.22 kilometers) east of the USS Memorial Arizona, which honors the sailors who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor that dragged the United States into World War II.
Two people were pronounced dead at the scene and the other 20 victims were transported to hospitals, according to Honolulu Emergency Medical Services.
“I have worked in emergency services for over 30 years and this is probably one of the worst calls I have ever received in terms of the immense tragedy, the number of patients and the severity of the injuries” , said Honolulu Department of Emergency Services Director Dr. Jim. Ireland said at a press conference on Wednesday morning.
A woman walks in front of the house where a New Year’s Eve fireworks explosion killed and injured people, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia).
Firework debris is seen outside the home where a New Year’s Eve fireworks explosion killed and injured people, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia).
A statement from Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi put the death toll at three and said more than 20 people were seriously injured.
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“This incident is a painful reminder of the danger of illegal fireworks, which endanger lives, drain our first responder resources and disrupt our communities,” Blangiardi said.
Several posts on social media showed video overnight of home fireworks being fired over a large swath of the city. Authorities reported four other serious fireworks injuries unrelated to the explosion.
Fire officials said they were investigating the cause of the explosion and had no details on how the accident happened. It was reported that there was no fire in the house. The victims were not immediately identified.
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