This is part three of a multi-part series about fireworks incidents and disasters in North Carolina. Read others: Part 1 | Part 2
Part 3 – Ocracoke Island Fireworks Truck Explosion – July 4, 2009
See source materials in this Google Drive folder.
On Saturday, July 4, 2009, around 8:00 a.m., a five-person crew from a South Carolina fireworks company was preparing for Ocracoke’s annual Independence Day display. They were inside and beside a box truck that was parked on the south end of the island, close to the ferry terminal and Anchorage Marina.
In preparation for the evening’s show, four workers under the direction of the Chief Pyrotechnician were preparing the fireworks by inserting electric matches into the fuses of shells inside a truck that contained 680 pounds (net explosive mass) of pyrotechnics. A small ignition event occurred and triggered a mass explosion.
One of the workers was killed instantly. The other four were airlifted from the scene to hospitals, including Pitt Memorial in Greenville and the Jaycee Burn Center in Chapel Hill.
Incident Report, Two Days Later
On July 6, 2009, Hyde County’s board of commissioners received a special report on the explosion. The minutes recorded:
“Commissioner Ballance reported on the Ocracoke Fireworks Explosion on Saturday, July 4, stating that four victims were airlifted from the scene. Mr. Ballance commended everyone who participated in the emergency rescue, firefighting, and clean up. Ocracoke Volunteer Firemen David Warren and Tony Spencer took control of the scene and provided excellent assistance. Fire Chief Albert O’Neal and Ocracoke Firemen, Ocracoke Medical Center Staff, Hyde County EMS Paramedics and EMTs, and several vacationing doctors and nurses were among the list of volunteers recognized by Mr. Ballance.”
“Interim Emergency Services Director Jane Hodges reported that Paramedic/Fireman David Warren and Pastor Joyce Reynolds were hospitalized due to smoke inhalation. Pastor Reynolds was treated and released on Saturday. Mr. Warren was released on Sunday afternoon.”
“Ms. Hodges reported that David Warren’s forethought and quick response (after being thrown against a fire truck) saved lives.” [ Does that mean that an OVFD fire truck and personnel were already at the site, standing by? ]
“She commended the medics who assisted with the rescue; Jamie Tunnell who handled public information; Ponzer Volunteer Fire Department members Dean Armstrong and Wayne Pugh who flew in supplies to the Island; Medical Directors Charles Boyette who retrieved supplies and medications; and Mainland Paramedic Sean Burke who assisted with flying in narcotics.”
The Victims
Martez Holland, 27, suffered burns to 20 percent of his body, mainly hands, arms, and face.
Terry Holland, 51, died at the hospital. He was from Goldsboro.
Charles Kirkland Jr., 49, killed in the explosion. He was from Goldsboro.
Lisa Simmons, 41, died at the hospital. She was from Goldsboro.
Mark Hill, age 21, died at the hospital. He was from Wayne County.
Investigation Report
On August 26, 2009, the Virginian-Pilot reported on the findings of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives:
“According to the report, a driver parked the truck filled with explosives and left, leaving the five behind to set up the fireworks. The crew was pushing electric igniters into the fireworks’ “tails” in preparation for that night’s show when a small explosion led to a larger explosion, the report said.”
“The ATF report calls the explosion accidental. An investigation by the state Department of Labor is expected to conclude within four months.”
The surviving crew member gave conflicting accounts about why they were performing those actions inside the truck. He first said they were working inside the truck because the fire department had wet the ground around the truck. He later said he was uncertain why they were working inside the truck.
Then What Happened?
Ocracoke Island officials cancelled the annual display indefinitely. No fireworks displays were conducted from 2009 to 2015. The event returned in 2016, under new procedures and with the show set up at a different location.
The explosion prompted statewide legislative action. Later in 2009, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted Senate Bill 563, establishing mandatory training and permitting requirements for pyrotechnic personnel under the supervision of State Fire Marshal-licensed display operators. It became effective February 1, 2010.
Readers in pyrotechnics, code enforcement, and/or emergency management, what were some other outcomes of the incident that are still felt today?
