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Three people were killed and at least 20 were injured in the fireworks incident Hawaii on New Year’s Day.
Honolulu EMS, police and fire were called to the scene in the Salt Lake-Aliamanu area of Oahu in the early hours of January 1st.
Footage from the scene shows 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 emergency services provide medical and other assistance.”
The department posted an update at 1:45 a.m.: “This is a multiple casualty firework related incident. HPD, HFD and EMS are on site providing care and safety. Please avoid the area.”
Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, which happened as people across the island celebrated the arrival of the year 2025.
It comes after Honolulu EMS 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, said paramedics at the scene who transported him to hospital for treatment.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi confirmed the death toll in a statement Wednesday.
“It is with frustration and sadness that I speak of the tragedy that occurred last night in Salt Lake just after midnight on New Year’s Eve,” he said. “A huge explosion caused by what appears to be illegal fireworks claimed at least three lives and seriously injured more than 20 people. This incident is a painful reminder of the danger posed by illegal fireworks, putting lives at risk, draining our first aid resources and disrupting our communities.”