Updated 07/05/2009 04:48 PM
Death toll climbs to four after fireworks truck explosion
By: News 14 Carolina Web Staff
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Photo courtesy Samantha Osborne of Asheboro, N.C.
All of the thoughts and prayers of Melrose South Pyrotechnics are with families of the victims of the accident that took place on July 4th on Ocracoke Island, NC. Everyone at Melrose South Pyrotechnics is grief stricken over the loss of life and injuries sustained in this terrible tragedy.
Melrose South Pyrotechnics is working with federal and local officials to try and determine the cause of this accident. These types of incidents are difficult to determine what really happened until all aspects of the investigation are complete. Melrose South Pyrotechnics personnel arrived on site last night to assist investigators in this matter. A meeting was held at the scene and the Melrose South personnel on the scene were given an overview of the incident.
Melrose South Pyrotechnics will continue to work with all investigators to determine the cause of this accident.
OCRACOKE ISLAND, N.C. – Officials are now saying at least four people have died as a result of a fireworks explosion on Independence Day.
Hyde County authorities say the accident happened just before 9 a.m. Saturday in a parking lot next to Ocracoke Island’s ferry terminal.
A tractor-trailer carrying the fireworks for the island’s Fourth of July show exploded, with the force of the blast shaking homes and businesses in the area, according to witnesses.
It is not yet known what ignited the blast, but authorities are still investigating.
Two victims died Saturday following the blast, with two more confirmed dead Sunday. Meanwhile, UNC Hospitals lists one victim as being in fair condition with burns to 20 percent of his body.
Officials say all five victims worked for Melrose South Pyrotechnics, which is based in Catawba, S.C.
Ocracoke Island is the southernmost inhabited island of the Outer Banks. It is not accessible by car.
A memorial parade was held Sunday afternoon on the island in honor of the victims.