HONOLULU — A devastating New Year’s Eve fireworks explosion in a Honolulu neighborhood has resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injured more than twenty others, several critically. The incident occurred just before midnight outside a home near Honolulu's international airport and is less than two miles from the USS Arizona Memorial, a site that honors sailors who perished during the Pearl Harbor attack.

According to the HuffPost, the explosion was triggered when a lit bundle of aerial fireworks tipped over, igniting nearby crates of additional fireworks. Two women were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third succumbed to injuries at a hospital.

"This is probably one of the worst calls I’ve ever taken in my 30-year EMS career," stated Honolulu Emergency Services Director, Dr. Jim Ireland (Los Angeles Times). Witnesses described a chaotic scene filled with smoke, debris, and emergency crews struggling to manage the injured.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green expressed profound concern over the nature of the injuries, likening them to "war-zone injuries," underscoring the severe implications of illegal firework usage (Newsweek). He highlighted the need for stricter regulations and penalties around fireworks to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Additionally, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi criticized the reckless use of illegal fireworks, which not only put lives at risk but also drained resources from first responders. He emphasized that this incident serves as a painful reminder of the perils associated with fireworks in populated areas (Times of India).

As investigations continue, police officials are determining if criminal charges will be pressed against the individual responsible for setting off the fireworks. In the meantime, related incidents across Oahu have also been reported, further stressing the urgent need for community awareness and adherence to fireworks regulations.