A Fourth of July celebration at Blue Creek on Lake Martin turned tragic on Friday evening when fireworks exploded unexpectedly on a launch pad, injuring several. Medical helicopters were sent quickly to evacuate the injured from the scene.
The accident occurred as thousands had flocked to witness the holiday fireworks. At least five individuals suffered serious injuries, which were enough to airlift them to nearby hospitals, reports Alexander City Outlook.
Giving an update of the situation, Tallapoosa County coroner assured that, thankfully, “no fatalities have been reported so far.”
According to the Outlook, the barge had been successfully releasing fireworks for a number of minutes before the charge went off low on or near the boat, burning and destroying the vessel.
Following the explosion, numerous fire units responded to the scene, and Tallapoosa County officials urged the public to avoid the area. As part of the display, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Marine Police department was patrolling the lake. Up to 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, marine police had not issued further information, with the incident still under investigation.
In another incident, meanwhile, Northern California authorities said they had discovered human remains at the location of a explosion at a fireworks warehouse. In a statement released Friday, Yolo County confirmed the findings.
The blast, which took place Tuesday a short distance from Esparto, shook the small agricultural town and left seven individuals unaccounted for. The fire also caused a major fire that started several spot fires, leading authorities to cancel local Fourth of July festivities.
Yolo County indicated that its Coroner’s Office has been in touch with the families of the missing and that its Coroner’s Division was allowed access to the fire site. It however noted that recovery efforts continue and “no positive identifications have been made.”