On New Year’s Eve, fireworks exploded in a residential area in Honolulu, leaving three dead and dozens with injuries. People in Aliamanu were planning on enjoying a celebratory firework show, but when an illegal firework turned sideways and caused more fireworks to go off, a fatal explosion followed. When the explosion took place, two women were killed, another dying in the hospital shortly after. 

The first 911 call from the area was made about two minutes into the New Year. The director of Honolulu’s Emergency Services Department, Jim Ireland, reported this tragedy to be the worst call of his career. Other medical professionals, officers, and bystanders compared the scene and injuries to a “war zone.” More than 20 people were left with burns all over their bodies. Some people were left with 20-30% of their bodies burned, the worst case being up to 90% of their body burned. There were people of all ages being treated for their wounds, but most appeared to be in their 20’s and 30’s. Ireland has stated that “[t]here was the smell of fire, [and] the smell of people who’d been burned.”

Not only were people injured by the explosion, but cars and a carport were affected, as well. Because the carport was where the other fireworks were, the carport was left destroyed, along with cars around the site, causing wood and glass to shoot out and further injure the public. 

To prevent future incidents with fireworks, the state illegal firework task force is working to get rid of all illegal and dangerous fireworks. Reports say that, nationwide, eight people were killed by firework accidents last year and thousands were left with injuries. Fireworks have become more dangerous to society, and they need to be kept under control to help stop casualties from happening.