WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | Accidental Explosion During Fort Stewart Fireworks
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Last night's Independence Day celebration at Fort Stewart came to an abrupt halt after an accident with the fireworks. Fort Stewart has confirmed that their entire fireworks display, designed to last for several minutes, went off essentially all at once.
Fort Stewart spokesman Kevin Larson said Thursday that fire officials determined the explosion last night was an accident. He said neither of the two workers was badly hurt.
Larson said, "Something went off before it should have and triggered the other fireworks. But there was never any danger to any of the 5,000 spectators."
Larson said people attending the show at the Army post's parade grounds were kept outside an 800-square-foot safety zone around the stage from which the fireworks were launched.
Two pyrotechnic workers were hurt in the explosion. One was treated at the scene and the other was rushed to the hospital. Larson said both injured people worked for Melrose South Pyrotechnics Incorporated of Catawba, South Carolina.
As soon as officials realized what happened, garrison commander Col. Todd Buchs stopped the fireworks show.
Safety teams are trying to figure out what went wrong.
