What happened in Salt Lake Aliamanu? Hawaii fireworks accident leaves 3 dead and 20 injured

A New Year's Eve celebration in Aliamanu, Honolulu, turned deadly after an explosion caused by illegal fireworks killed three people and critically injured over 20 others. Emergency services responded to the scene on Keaka Drive shortly after midnight on January 1, 2025. Two women died immediately, while a third succumbed to her injuries later. The explosion caused significant destruction, leaving bloodstains and debris scattered across the area. Authorities anticipate the possibility of more fatalities as the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy.

As reported by Island News, the explosion in Salt Lake Aliamanu occurred when an aerial firework device, known as an 'aerial cake,' was lit during a New Year's Eve party. According to Honolulu Police Chief, Joe Logan, the firework tipped over, causing its projectiles to light up nearby crates filled with additional fireworks. This triggered a massive explosion, resulting in fatalities and numerous critical injuries. Surveillance footage, evidence, and witness statements confirmed the sequence of events leading to the tragic incident.

Over 20 people, including three children, were rushed to hospitals with severe burn injuries following the explosion, according to Dr. Jim Ireland, director of Honolulu Emergency Services.

Around 10 to 15 others sustained minor injuries, with some not requiring ambulance transport. Among them was a 12-year-old girl with burns and shrapnel wounds. Authorities declared the incident a mass casualty event, deploying over a dozen ambulances and shutting down Salt Lake Boulevard to establish triage and patient transport zones.

Officials speak out on the Salt Lake Aliamanu firework accident

Governor Josh Green emphasized the devastating impact of the Aliamanu explosion, describing the severe and traumatic injuries suffered by the victims, including war zone-level wounds and severe internal damage. Gov Green said:

“The truth is that people had traumatic injuries so badly that brain material was across the sidewalk from the ferocity of this explosion, and we want people to hear that because that is what is really possible with these explosive fireworks... Some of the deceased had injuries that were that tragic, that traumatic. We’re talking about the worst possible war zone injuries that took their lives."

Additionally, Governor Green warned that some victims, despite appearing stable, might still succumb to their injuries due to severe lung damage caused by the blast. In a separate statement, he highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal fireworks through the Illegal Fireworks Task Force, which has made significant seizures but still faces challenges. He said:

"Because combating illegal fireworks has been a priority, we established the Illegal Fireworks Task Force last year to identify and disrupt supply chains. It has seized 227,000 pounds of illegal fireworks to date..."

Governor Green urged residents to report illegal activity and emphasized the need for community cooperation to prevent future tragedies. He concluded with:

"While my heart is heavy on this first day of 2025—EMS, the Honolulu Fire Department and the Honolulu Police Department have my deepest gratitude."

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Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi expressed both frustration and sorrow over the tragic New Year’s Eve explosion in Salt Lake Aliamanu caused by illegal fireworks, which claimed at least three lives and critically injured over 20 people.

Describing the situation as 'absurd and unacceptable,' Blangiardi emphasized the need for stronger enforcement and tougher penalties against the illegal fireworks trade. He pledged collaboration with federal and state agencies to "shut down this illegal firework trade once and for all," and called for decisive action to protect Oʻahu residents.

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