Last Thursday, a fireworks malfunction in Comanche killed one person and sent three others to the hospital.
For currently unknown reasons, a trailer holding fireworks exploded unexpectedly. According to NBC Dallas Fort Worth News Channel Five, the incident happened at about 9:00 a.m. The trailer was parked at a baseball field, just west of a high school, when it exploded.
Aerial photographs and news footage shows what’s left of the trailer, and the charred soil next to the baseball field. All Fourth of July activities in Comanche were cancelled after this terrible incident.
Fireworks Explosion Kills One and Injures Three
The explosion took the life of Dr. Russell Reynolds, a local chiropractor and Kiwanis Club member. At least three other people were treated for injuries, and one of them was taken to a burn unit. Although it hasn’t been confirmed, multiple news agencies reported that Dr. Reynolds had some type of certification or licensing for the handling of fireworks.
There’s still no word on the actual cause of this devastating explosion. Very little information has been released about this incident, which is still under investigation with multiple agencies. According to NBC Dallas Fort Worth News, officials with the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating the explosion.
Fireworks Injuries by the Numbers
- In 2012, an estimated 8,700 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries.
- 55 percent of those emergency room visits were for injuries to the extremities.
- 31 percent of those emergency room visits were for injuries to the head.
- Young people from ages 15 to 24 are at the greatest risk for fireworks injuries.
- Children under the age of 10 are the second highest at-risk age group.
- In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires.
In 2011, of the estimated 17,800 reported fires, there were at least eight reported civilian deaths, 40 civil injuries and $32 million in direct property damage. Although fireworks are a beloved activity for Independence Day and New Year’s celebrations, they’re not without risk.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends leaving fireworks to professionals and avoiding consumer fireworks entirely. The team at the Altman Legal Group sends their deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Dr. Russell Reynolds. We also wish speedy and full recoveries for the injured victims.