Honolulu Fire Department and Police Department records

Illegal Fireworks Explosion in Honolulu Kills Three, Injures Over 20 on New Year's Eve

Jan 1, 2025, 08:48 PM

An explosion caused by illegal fireworks in Honolulu's Salt Lake-Aliamanu neighborhood on New Year's Eve killed at least three people and injured over 22 others, according to local authorities. The incident occurred just before midnight outside a home, as per the Honolulu Fire Department. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services reported that at least 22 people were injured, many in critical condition, suffering what were described as "war-zone injuries." Hawaii Governor Josh Green described the scene as "extraordinarily grotesque" during a news conference and asserted that "enough is enough," emphasizing the dangers of illegal fireworks. Emergency responders from the Honolulu Fire Department, Police Department, and EMS were on the scene providing care and security. The neighborhood where the accident occurred is near Honolulu's international airport and a joint U.S. Air Force and Navy base. Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion.