Illegal fireworks turn deadly
RICHLAND, Wash. -- Tragedy struck on the Fourth of July.
Richland resident Tammy Morrow says, "They were just setting off a few fireworks and it was just a horrible accident."
Just over my shoulder is a hill that leads to a house where a man lost life while trying to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Police tell me John Anderson was lighting an illegal firework known as a mortar at his home near the Westcliffe development.
Officers believe Anderson lit the mortar but it didn't go off. Thinking it was a dud he picked it back up and it blew up in his face.
Richland Police Sergeant says, "He got right in front of the blast and took most of the force."
The 61-year-old was killed instantly.
Neighbors could tell from the screams something was very wrong.
Tammy says, "We heard the loud, large boom and looked over to see the fireworks and didn't see anything. Then, my daughter actually heard his wife coming up the road and yelling so we just hopped the over and went down to help."
The size of the mortar was only about three inches, but incredibly powerful.
Kennewick Fire Marshall Mark Yaden says, "Three inches is a very significant size, that's typically something you'd see with a pyrotechnician."
Anderson's death is being investigated by the bomb squad.
Police also hope to learn where the round came from and why it malfunctioned.
It's a tragedy that officers believe always could be prevented if left to the experts.
Richland Police Chief Grant Baynes says, "as long as this keeps going on someone will be hurt, someone will be killed."
Richland resident Tammy Morrow says, "They were just setting off a few fireworks and it was just a horrible accident."
Just over my shoulder is a hill that leads to a house where a man lost life while trying to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Police tell me John Anderson was lighting an illegal firework known as a mortar at his home near the Westcliffe development.
Officers believe Anderson lit the mortar but it didn't go off. Thinking it was a dud he picked it back up and it blew up in his face.
Richland Police Sergeant says, "He got right in front of the blast and took most of the force."
The 61-year-old was killed instantly.
Neighbors could tell from the screams something was very wrong.
Tammy says, "We heard the loud, large boom and looked over to see the fireworks and didn't see anything. Then, my daughter actually heard his wife coming up the road and yelling so we just hopped the over and went down to help."
The size of the mortar was only about three inches, but incredibly powerful.
Kennewick Fire Marshall Mark Yaden says, "Three inches is a very significant size, that's typically something you'd see with a pyrotechnician."
Anderson's death is being investigated by the bomb squad.
Police also hope to learn where the round came from and why it malfunctioned.
It's a tragedy that officers believe always could be prevented if left to the experts.
Richland Police Chief Grant Baynes says, "as long as this keeps going on someone will be hurt, someone will be killed."
