Fatal Fireworks Accident Investigated in Ramsey County
Shoreview, MN (MinnesotaNow) - Authorities in the Twin Cities are investigating a fatal fireworks incident that occurred over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Deadly Incident Occurred on Abandoned Building Rooftop
The Lake Johanna Fire Department in Ramsey County says firefighters and first responders from the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office and Allina Ambulance were dispatched around 1:30 a.m. Sunday after a 911 caller reported that fireworks had exploded in a man's hand while he was on top of an abandoned building at the abandoned Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant site in Shoreview. A news release says Ramsey County deputies were the first to arrive and found the young man unconscious on the roof.
100 Foot Aerial Platform Used to Reach Victim
Responding firefighters used a 100-foot-tall articulating aerial platform to access the roof and bring the man to the ground. A news release says the victim, who was in his 20s, was then transported to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery but later died from his injuries.
2 Inch Mortar Shell Exploded
The statement indicates the man was holding a mortar tube with a 2-inch firework when it exploded in an incident witnessed by 15 to 20 people. The victim's name has not been released.
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