- West Wendover canceled its July Fourth fireworks after an accidental detonation.
- Several people sustained non-life-threatening injuries, including a firefighter with a foot injury.
- West Wendover Mayor Holm urged caution with personal fireworks and emphasized ongoing investigation efforts.
WEST WENDOVER, Nev. — Multiple people sustained non-life-threatening injuries Friday morning after fireworks were accidentally detonated in West Wendover.
The city government announced that the accident occurred on 3 Mile Mountain. West Wendover Mayor Jasie Holm said, "Prayers to the injured firefighter and for the safety of all our firefighters and public workers," after the accident.
The city said everyone injured was given medical treatment.
"Given the incident, there will be no fireworks display tonight for the Fourth of July," the city said.
The explosion happened at around 8:30 a.m., where firefighters and public works employees were preparing for the city's annual fireworks display.
"We started hearing loud booms," Holm said. "You could see smoke and fireworks start to explode. It lasted about 15 to 20 minutes."
Chopper 5 flew over the scene and captured the aftermath: blackened debris, burned brush and charred equipment still smoldering hours later.
Holm said several firefighters and public works staff were injured, though she did not have an exact number. One firefighter was taken to Salt Lake City with a foot injury, while others were treated locally.
"We're just thankful that nobody was killed," Holm said.
As a result, the city canceled Friday's fireworks display.
"We have been known for our great fireworks show; people come from out of town to watch our fireworks show. There's great disappointment, but also we're so thankful that our city staff and fire department is not injured worse," she said.
Officials are still investigating the cause of the explosion, and it remains unclear whether the fireworks were faulty or if another factor caused the blast. Holm said they had spent around $30,000 for Friday's fireworks show.
Holm urged the public to take this as a serious reminder to be cautious with personal fireworks as celebrations continue.
"Please use caution when using fireworks tonight," she said. "We'll get to the bottom of it — and hopefully this never happens again."
