Hawaii fireworks blast death toll rises
The death toll from a fireworks explosion in Hawaii has risen to five, after a man who was receiving treatment in Arizona passed away as a result of injuries sustained.
PHOENIX – Police say another person has died as a result of a massive fireworks explosion in Hawaii.
The explosion, which also killed a three-year-old boy and three other women, left over 20 people injured as well.
Explosion happened on New Year’s Eve
According to reports from the Associated Press, the latest victim who died was a 29-year-old man. The 25-year-old was one of six people who were flown to an Arizona hospital for treatment.
What we know:
Per an initial report on the incident, the blast took place in a neighborhood near Honolulu just before midnight.
Of the five people who died, two were declared dead at the scene.
Timeline:
The fire department and emergency personnel responded to a “mass casualty” event at a home.
Preliminary investigations and statements from witnesses at the scene revealed a person who was attending a party at the home lit an aerial cake, which is a container that has multiple aerial fireworks inside.
According to Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan, the large assortment of fireworks was lit in the carport of the driveway and fell on its side, shooting into crates that contained additional fireworks, setting off an explosion.
