A fireworks explosion near Honolulu on New Year's Eve killed at least three people and seriously injured more than 20, authorities said.
The accident occurred outside a home just before midnight, the Honolulu Fire Department said in a statement.
Honolulu Emergency Services Director Jim Ireland said, “I've been a paramedic for over 30 years, and given the sheer amount of tragedies, the number of patients, and the severity of injuries, this is probably the most I've ever seen. “It's one of the worst calls I've received.” .
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said in a statement that three people were killed and more than 20 were seriously injured.
“This incident is a painful reminder of the dangers of illegal fireworks, which endanger lives, deplete first responder resources, and disrupt communities,” Blangiardi said.
Overnight, footage was posted on several social media sites showing fireworks being set off at homes over a wide area of the city. Officials reported four other serious injuries from fireworks unrelated to the explosion.
The area is near Honolulu International Airport and the U.S. Air Force-Navy Joint Base, and is just over 2 miles (3.22 km) east of the USS Arizona Memorial, which commemorates the sailors who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor that brought the United States into the conflict. . World War II.
The fire department said it was investigating the cause of the explosion but had no details on how the accident occurred. There was no fire in the house. The victim was not immediately identified.
