Northwest Indiana

7 injured, homes damaged during NW Indiana fireworks malfunction

At around 9:30 p.m. in the 900 block of North Arbogast Street, first responders were called to a disturbance involving numerous injuries due to a fireworks accident, authorities said.

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An unknown malfunction occurred Saturday night at a private fireworks show in northwest Indiana, injuring seven people and damaging at least four homes, police said.

At around 9:30 p.m. in the 900 block of North Arbogast Street, first responders were called to a disturbance involving numerous injuries due to a fireworks accident, authorities said.

A neighbor's surveillance camera captured the moment one of the fireworks exploded on the ground, causing a massive "boom."

A preliminary investigation revealed seven people were hurt, and four houses sustained damage, police stated.

One family told NBC Chicago a neighbor across the street was launching large fireworks out of a bucket filled with concrete when everything transpired.

"I seen nothing but smoke, commotion," one witness said. "You could tell people were injured, screaming, running around."

The family who lit the fireworks declined an interview, but said it was their group who suffered injuries, including children.

Neighbors were fed up, calling what happened reckless.

"...to make good safe choices and to educate everybody else out there you have to be safe," one neighbor said.

Ten vehicles were also damaged in the incident.

The victims' conditions remained unknown as of Sunday evening. Police determined "a private fireworks show at the residence had a firework malfunction."

This incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the incident was encouraged to contact the Griffith Police by calling 219-924-7503. Anonymous tips can be left by calling 219-922-3085.

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