AURORA, Colorado – Law enforcement officials are conducting an investigation into an accidental death that occurred after fireworks exploded near the Quincy Reservoir in Aurora. The incident resulted in the death of a 42-year-old man from Strasburg.
According to reports, the explosion took place at the Grandview Dog Park located at 17502 East Quincy Avenue in the early hours of Thursday. The man, along with two others from Strasburg, had traveled to Aurora to visit local food and beverage establishments before heading to the dog park with commercial-grade fireworks.
Tragically, the man was in the process of lighting one of the fireworks when it unexpectedly detonated, resulting in his death. In response to the incident, investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) collaborated with the Arapahoe County Bomb Squad and the Aurora Police Department to ascertain the events leading up to the explosion.
The explosion triggered numerous emergency calls and alerts in the neighborhood, with residents reporting feeling the impact of the blast. Eyewitnesses described the event as resembling a bomb exploding and causing buildings to shake, prompting chaotic scenes in the aftermath.
Authorities have refrained from releasing the identity of the deceased individual as their investigation continues. Law enforcement officers visited the man’s residence in Strasburg but found no evidence of illicit explosive activity. Subsequently, the dog park was temporarily reopened before being closed once more to allow for the collection of additional evidence.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with handling fireworks, especially in close proximity to residential areas. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working diligently to piece together the events that led to the fatal explosion near the Quincy Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado.