News reports or official statements from Honolulu authorities

Three Killed, 20 Critically Injured in New Year's Eve Fireworks Explosion on Keaka Drive in Honolulu's Salt Lake-Aliamanu Area

Jan 1, 2025, 05:10 PM

A New Year's Eve fireworks explosion in a Honolulu-area neighborhood resulted in at least three fatalities and 20 others critically injured, according to authorities. The incident occurred just before midnight on Keaka Drive in the Salt Lake-Aliamanu area, near Honolulu's international airport and a joint U.S. Air Force and Navy base, approximately 3.22 kilometers east of the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services reported that two people were declared dead at the scene, with the death toll later rising to three. The Honolulu Fire Department is investigating the cause of the explosion, which did not result in a fire at the home. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi emphasized the dangers of illegal fireworks, noting the strain on first responder resources and the disruption to communities. Dr. Jim Ireland, Director of Honolulu Emergency Services Department, described the incident as one of the worst calls in his over 30 years of service due to the tragedy's scale and severity. The victims have not been identified.