ATF Seeking Cause of Fatal Fireworks Blast

Investigators were trying to determine what caused a truck loaded with fireworks to explode during preparations for a New Year’s Eve show, killing two technicians and critically injuring an off-duty deputy. The blast, about 8:30 p.m. Thursday, blew the top and sides off the cargo truck. Employees from Classic Fireworks by Events Inc. had been loading fireworks on a barge, which was to be the launching point for the midnight fireworks show. The show was scaled back, so workers were putting some of the fireworks back on the truck. Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms were examining the truck’s skeleton.