A fireworks explosion on the National Mall on Wednesday hospitalized two employees of the company that produced the July Fourth show, according to U.S. Park Police. One man was seriously injured.
The blast happened about a half-hour after the end of the 20-minute fireworks show that capped a day of festivities.
Contractors for the fireworks company, Pyro Shows Inc., were handling unused fireworks in the area where the rockets were launched when a shell exploded, causing a large blast.
One man was taken by U.S. Park Police helicopter to an area hospital with serious burns, Sgt. Robert LaChance said. A second man was transported by ambulance with minor burns, and a third victim was treated at the scene.
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the incident to contact the Park Police at 202-610-8737.
