Tallapoosa County, AL – A Fourth of July fireworks display on Lake Martin turned dangerous after a pontoon boat explosion injured six people Friday night.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the incident occurred at approximately 9:14 p.m. near the Kowaliga Basin in Blue Creek. A pontoon boat modified as a fireworks launch platform reportedly malfunctioned, triggering an onboard explosion during an unpermitted fireworks show.
The injured were identified as William C. Davis, 39, and Aaron L. Kovak, 49, both transported to the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) Hospital. Alan J. Simmons, 31, was taken to Lake Martin Community Hospital in Dadeville. Jonathan R. Wilmarth, 43; Joshua A. Husted, 36; and Matthew Davila, 28, were also hospitalized with injuries.
Troopers with ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division responded, joined by the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Hazardous Device Unit, Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office, and Deputy State Fire Marshals. Authorities were able to secure the area and render remaining unexploded fireworks safe.
ALEA stated that this is now a joint investigation between the Marine Patrol Division and the Fire Marshal’s Office, with the latter taking the lead regarding the fireworks. No additional information has been released, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Officials are urging the public to follow fireworks safety guidelines, including never launching from boats without permits and avoiding crowded waterways. ALEA emphasized securing setups and staying away from active launch zones.
Fireworks-related incidents are common during holidays, and authorities reiterated the importance of responsible celebrations to prevent further injuries or fires.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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