Shorouk Express
Four people have been arrested in connection to the deadly New Year’s firework explosion in Honolulu – and police have warned more will follow.
The latest arrests, which take the total to 10, include a 32-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman for reckless endangering in the first degree, endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree, and multiple firework offenses.
Police said they attended the gathering and ignited illegal fireworks with their two children, aged 11 and 9, according to Hawaii News Now.
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A 29-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree and multiple fireworks offenses. A 28-year-old woman faces potential charges of endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree.
The explosion killed three women, one man, and a three-year-old boy and injured about 20 others. It happened when a lit bundle of mortar-style aerials tipped over and shot into crates of unlit fireworks, causing a rapid-fire series of blasts.
Five survivors are being treated at the Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center Valleywise Health, Hawaii News Now reported.
The Straub Benioff Medical Center in Honolulu said Friday that four critically injured patients remain in their care, the outlet added.
Three couples were arrested previously. Police have not said whether those arrested include the parents of the boy or anyone who was injured.
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The igniting of illegal fireworks — many of them aerials normally used in professional fireworks shows — has become increasingly common in Hawaii in recent years. People set off fireworks year-round, ramping up during the year-end holidays, often on cramped residential streets.
Police said last week that they confiscated 500 pounds (227 kilograms) of unused fireworks from the scene of the blast.
Police have been sending the cases to the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney.
Police said they are working with prosecutors on the charges but it is taking time due to the number of people arrested, large volume of evidence being examined, and fireworks being tested.
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Additional reporting by AP.
