Posted on: Friday, December 31, 2004
Three critically injured in fireworks-related accident
Advertiser Staff
Three people were critically injured in 'Ewa Beach yesterday when a metal pole they were setting up to hang firecrackers touched a power line, officials said.
Advertiser library photo Fire Capt. Emmit Kane said a group of people was gathered around a metal ladder when the pole touched the power line.
A year ago 72 fireworks-related injuries were reported in the state. The most common injuries were from sparklers and other fireworks "novelties," which can be purchased without a permit. Nearly two-thirds of the injuries were to children 14 or younger, said Dan Galanis, a state Health Department epidemiologist.
Fireworks may be used only from 9 p.m. New Year's Eve to 1 a.m. on New Year's Day.
It is unlawful to use aerial fireworks; remove or extract fireworks contents; throw ignited fireworks from a moving vehicle; and to set off fireworks near schools, places of worship, health-care facilities, facilities for animals and within 500 feet of a hotel, which includes all of Waikiki.
Public aerial fireworks displays will take place at midnight tonight off Waikiki and Aloha Tower.
A man in his late 30s and a teenage boy and girl were flown by helicopter to The Queen's Medical Center following the 4:30 p.m. accident at 863 Ha'eha'e Place. They suffered burns and cuts and were taken to the hospital in critical condition, according to city Emergency Medical Services. Three other teenage girls suffered scrapes.
A New Year's Eve celebrant lit fireworks on Dement Street in Kalihi during last year's celebrations. Last year there were 72 fireworks-related injuries reported.
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| Safety tips
• Supervise young children, even with sparklers and other "novelty" items. A sparkler can reach 1,300 degrees. • Look before you light. Check around you for people, animals, cars and flammable materials. • Never alter fireworks. • Follow product instructions. • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy. Source: City & County of Honolulu |
