2 Workers Injured in Bridgeview Fireworks Accident

Bridgeview, IL -- Authorities are now saying two people from a fireworks company were injured in Sunday afternoon's fireworks explosion in Bridgeview.

The accident happened around 12:30 p.m. in a cordoned off "safe zone" in Commissioners Park at 81st Street and Oketo Avenue where the fireworks company was setting up for Bridgeview's fireworks display for Sunday evening.

The fireworks prematurely detonated when a professional pyrotechnician was inserting a baseball-sized firework into a chute. Officials think friction may have caused a spark that ignited the firework, according to a preliminary investigation.

Authorities now say two workers were injured; both were taken to nearby hospitals. One of the workers suffered severe burns to his arms and injuries to his hand, Bridgeview officials said.

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The explosion caused most of the remaining fireworks to detonate in rapid succession. The accident forced the Bridgeview Park District to cancel the community Fourth of July fireworks display that was scheduled for Sunday evening, said village spokesman Ray Hanania.

Bridgeview officials said about $12,000 worth of professional-grade fireworks were lost, enough for a 20-minute municipal display. The technician was employed by Five Alarm Fireworks based in Tinley Park.

Some nearby neighbors told NBC Chicago that they at first thought the explosions were from a gas leak.

"There was like a big explosion, almost like an earthquake," said Bridgeview resident Sylvia Rabianski. "My house started shaking, so we came outside. I knew they were supposed to have a fireworks show over here; I thought maybe they were testing it.”

The Cook County Bomb Squad remained at the park, securing the scene and making sure that no more undetonated fireworks would explode. The explosion was also said to have sparked both a car and brush fire, NBC reported.

“Village officials are wishing the employee the best in recovering but it is a tragic reminder of how dangerous fireworks can be,” Hanania said. “This accident involved someone who is professionally trained to handle fireworks and to anticipate these kinds of accidents. Imagine what can happen to members of the public who think fireworks are safe. Things can easily go wrong and fireworks are very dangerous and should not be taken lightly.”

The accident forced the cancelation of Sunday's fireworks show. A statement posted on the Bridgeview Park District's website read: "Due to unforeseen circumstances the fireworks show is cancelled for July 3rd. We are aggressively working to reschedule the fireworks and will keep everyone posted."

The injured worker is reported to be in stable condition; the condition of the second worker is not known.

This story has been updated with new information.

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