Latest news with #TallapoosaCounty
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
6 People Injured After ‘Unpermitted Fireworks' Exploded on a Boat
Six people have been hospitalized after 'unpermitted fireworks' exploded on a pontoon boat in Alabama Authorities said the boat was 'modified into a fireworks platform' and 'malfunctioned' during a fireworks celebration Witnesses at Lake Martin said the boat had been launching fireworks for several minutes before the explosionA Fourth of July fireworks explosion in Alabama has resulted in the hospitalization of six people. The incident involved 'unpermitted fireworks' and occurred at about 9:14 p.m. local time on a part of Lake Martin in Tallapoosa County, according to a press release from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). Authorities stated that the incident involved the malfunction of a pontoon boat 'that had been modified into a fireworks platform' for a planned fireworks celebration. Those injured included William C. Davis, 39, and Aaron L. Kovak, 49 — both of whom were transported to the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital — as well as Johnathan R. Wilmarth, 43, Joshua A. Husted, 36, and Matthew Davila, 28, all of whom were transported to local hospitals for treatment, per the release. The condition of those injured is not yet known. There will be an investigation into the incident led by the Alabama Fire Marshal's Office, per ALEA. ALEA informed PEOPLE that they have no additional information to share at this time. PEOPLE additionally reached out to the Alabama Fire Marshal's Office for comment on Saturday, July 5, but did not receive an immediate response. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The fireworks display was an annual event, according to local news outlet The Outlook. The outlet reported that witnesses at the event said that the boat had been launching fireworks for several minutes when one exploded low and near the vessel, at which point the boat appeared to catch fire. At least three medical helicopters were utilized to transport victims to local hospitals, per The Outlook and ABC 33-40. In addition to details regarding the incident, ALEA shared multiple fireworks safety tips in their statement to the public, including 'never launch fireworks from boats unless specifically permitted and equipped with proper safety measures,' and 'secure your fireworks setup to prevent tipping or misfires due to wind or movement.' Read the original article on People
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Yahoo
6 People Injured After ‘Unpermitted Fireworks' Exploded on a Boat
Six people have been hospitalized after 'unpermitted fireworks' exploded on a pontoon boat in Alabama Authorities said the boat was 'modified into a fireworks platform' and 'malfunctioned' during a fireworks celebration Witnesses at Lake Martin said the boat had been launching fireworks for several minutes before the explosionA Fourth of July fireworks explosion in Alabama has resulted in the hospitalization of six people. The incident involved 'unpermitted fireworks' and occurred at about 9:14 p.m. local time on a part of Lake Martin in Tallapoosa County, according to a press release from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). Authorities stated that the incident involved the malfunction of a pontoon boat 'that had been modified into a fireworks platform' for a planned fireworks celebration. Those injured included William C. Davis, 39, and Aaron L. Kovak, 49 — both of whom were transported to the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital — as well as Johnathan R. Wilmarth, 43, Joshua A. Husted, 36, and Matthew Davila, 28, all of whom were transported to local hospitals for treatment, per the release. The condition of those injured is not yet known. There will be an investigation into the incident led by the Alabama Fire Marshal's Office, per ALEA. ALEA informed PEOPLE that they have no additional information to share at this time. PEOPLE additionally reached out to the Alabama Fire Marshal's Office for comment on Saturday, July 5, but did not receive an immediate response. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The fireworks display was an annual event, according to local news outlet The Outlook. The outlet reported that witnesses at the event said that the boat had been launching fireworks for several minutes when one exploded low and near the vessel, at which point the boat appeared to catch fire. At least three medical helicopters were utilized to transport victims to local hospitals, per The Outlook and ABC 33-40. In addition to details regarding the incident, ALEA shared multiple fireworks safety tips in their statement to the public, including 'never launch fireworks from boats unless specifically permitted and equipped with proper safety measures,' and 'secure your fireworks setup to prevent tipping or misfires due to wind or movement.' Read the original article on People
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Fireworks barge explodes on Lake Martin causing multiple injuries
A fireworks launch barge exploded on Lake Martin Friday night during a fireworks show, causing several injuries. The Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office confirmed the explosion in the Blue Creek area. The Alexander City Outlook reported that at least five people were injured. Fireworks had been launched from the barge for several minutes when one charge exploded low near the boat, causing the barge to burn while it remained afloat for several minutes, the Outlook reported. Some of the injured were taken to area hospitals by helicopter, the Outlook reported. More: Interstate crash seriously injures six people in Autauga County The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Marine Police division was on the lake patroling during the show. The marine police are investigating the incident and had released no other information by 5:30 a.m. Saturday. This is a breaking and will be updated. Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@ To support his work, please subscribe to the Montgomery Advertiser. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Fireworks barge explodes on Lake Martin
