Man Dies After Firework Explodes in Hand

A 34-year-old man has died from injuries sustained by a firework explosion on New Year’s Eve.

Police have identified the man as Dexter Ibaan of Kapa‘a.

According to a preliminary investigation, Ibaan was attempting to light a firework when it apparently malfunctioned and exploded while he was holding it.

First responders were dispatched to the Kapa‘a residence at approximately 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Once on scene they found a bystander administering CPR to the unresponsive man.

Firefighters and AMR medics took over advanced resuscitation efforts and continued efforts while in transport to Wilcox Medical Center. The man could not be revived and was later pronounced dead by a medical doctor at Wilcox Medical Center.

An autopsy is pending, but foul play is not suspected.

Volunteers with Life’s Bridges, a grief counseling service, is assisting the man’s family.

The investigation remains ongoing.