A 3-year-old child passed away on Monday, becoming the fourth victim of a tragic fireworks explosion that occurred on New Year’s Eve at a residence in Honolulu. The blast claimed the lives of three women and left over 20 individuals injured, many of whom sustained severe burns covering most of their bodies. Six of the injured were airlifted to Arizona for treatment due to the limited capacity of Hawaii’s burn center to care for all the victims.
Dr. Kevin Foster, the director of the Arizona Burn Center, provided an update on the patients, all in their 20s or 30s, during a streamed news conference. The individuals have suffered extensive burns, with one person having burns over 45% of their body and another with burns over nearly 80% of their body. While their vital signs are stable, they are all currently on breathing tubes and most are in medically induced comas. Recovery is expected to take six months to a year, with some patients possibly remaining intubated and in a coma for an extended period.
Dr. Foster highlighted the psychological impact the patients may face, including post-traumatic stress disorder. The burn center has dedicated mental health professionals to support the patients through their journey to recovery. The patients underwent emergency surgeries in Hawaii before being transferred to Arizona, where additional surgeries are planned to address their burns and close wounds. Infections pose a significant risk for burn patients, and it is anticipated that all patients will experience them at some point during their treatment.
The long-term effects of the injuries, including scars and physical limitations, are expected to be challenging for the patients. Foundations associated with the burn center and the hospital are offering housing for patient relatives, and some staff members have generously opened their homes to support the families. The incident has prompted calls for stricter enforcement against illegal fireworks in Hawaii, as the state has seen a rise in the use of professional-grade explosives by amateurs during New Year’s celebrations.
Festive fireworks illuminated the night sky, creating a dazzling display above and around a residential property.
