Three people died and at least 20 more were injured in a fireworks-related incident in Hawaii on New Year’s Day.
Honolulu Emergency Medical Services, police and the fire department were all called to the scene in the Salt Lake-Aliamanu area of Oahu in the early hours of January 1.
Footage from the scene showed multiple emergency vehicles on Keaka Drive.
The Honolulu Police Department wrote in a post on X: “Major Incident in the Salt Lake area HPD, HFD, and EMS are responding to a major incident in the area of Keaka Drive. Please avoid the area as first responders provide medical and other assistance.”
The department posted an update at 1.45am: “This is a fireworks-related incident with multiple casualties. HPD, HFD, and EMS are on the scene providing care and security. Please avoid the area.”
Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, which took place as people across the islands were celebrating the arrival of 2025.
It comes after Honolulu Emergency Medical Services responded to another call in the Kalihi area on New Year’s Eve, according to Newsweek.
A 14-year-old boy was injured after a firework exploded in his hand, according to paramedics at the scene who transported him to the hospital for treatment.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi confirmed the number of dead in a statement on Wednesday.
“It is with both frustration and sorrow that I address the tragedy that occurred last night in Salt Lake just after midnight on New Year’s Eve,” he said. “A massive explosion caused by what appears to be illegal fireworks claimed at least three lives and left over 20 others critically injured. This incident is a painful reminder of the danger posed by illegal fireworks, which put lives at risk, drain our first responder resources, and disrupt our communities.”
