One person was killed and three others were injured in a fireworks accident Thursday in Comanche.
Kiwanis Club members were setting up fireworks for Friday's celebration on a baseball field west of a high school when the trailer holding most of the fireworks exploded around 9 a.m. It's not immediately clear what triggered the explosion.
One person was confirmed dead, and several others are being treated for burns, Comanche County Medical Center spokesman Jim Christensen said.
One of those victims was transferred to a burn unit, while two others were treated and released, he said. Their injuries ranged from first- to third-degree burns, mostly on the hands.
Close family and friends confirm to NBC 5 that the man killed is Dr. Russell Reynolds, a local chiropractor and member of the Kiwanis Club. Reynolds was involved in nearly every community event including the July Fourth fireworks show.
The office of State Rep. Dr. J.D. Sheffield, who was scheduled to speak at the fireworks event, released the following statement:
"I was saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Dr Reynolds. My thoughts are with his family, the community of Comanche, and those injured in this accident. I hope they have a speedy recovery. "
All Fourth of July activities planned for Friday night have been canceled after the fireworks accident, the Comanche Chamber of Commerce said.
This was the 24th year the event was set to be held. The event usually draws about 15,000 people, according to the chamber.
On its Facebook page, the Comanche Chamber of Commerce posted:
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DUE TO TRAGIC CIRCUMSTANCES THE 4TH ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN CANCELLED FOR 2014.
The state fire marshal's office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating the accident.
