A New Year’s Eve fireworks explosion in a neighborhood near Honolulu resulted in two fatalities and left 10 others injured, according to authorities.
The incident occurred just before midnight outside a residence, the Honolulu Fire Department stated in a release. The neighborhood is located near Honolulu’s international airport, a joint U.S. Air Force and Navy base, and approximately 3.2 kilometers east of the USS Arizona Memorial, which commemorates sailors lost in the Pearl Harbor attack that led to the U.S. entering World War II.
The fire department is investigating the cause of the explosion but has not yet determined how it occurred. There was no fire reported at the home, and the victims’ identities have not been released.
Authorities have not disclosed any further details regarding the nature of the fireworks involved or whether the display was organized or private. Residents in the area reported hearing a loud blast that shook nearby homes, prompting immediate calls to emergency services.
Honolulu Police have cordoned off the site as investigators, including bomb squad units, examine the scene for clues about what triggered the explosion. Fireworks-related accidents are not uncommon during New Year celebrations in Hawaii, where both legal and illegal fireworks are often used.
The tragic incident has renewed discussions about stricter regulations on fireworks in residential areas. Local officials have urged residents to prioritize safety and follow all guidelines during holiday festivities to prevent such accidents in the future.
More updates are expected as the investigation progresses and authorities release additional information.
