Pulaski, Wisconsin – A request has been submitted to consolidate five civil lawsuits related to a bonfire explosion near Pulaski, involving numerous current and former Pulaski High School students. The incident, which took place in Maple Grove, Shawano County, resulted in injuries to several individuals linked to the explosion on October 14, 2022. Three individuals, Brandon Brzeczkowski, Issac Nelson, and Benjamin Van Asten, are currently receiving treatment at a Milwaukee hospital’s burn unit and are expected to remain there for several weeks.
Lawyers representing the plaintiffs, defendants, and their respective insurance companies have jointly petitioned the court to merge the lawsuits into a single case. The documents filed with the court underscore the commonality of the claims, suggesting that they arise from the same incident and involve similar legal and factual inquiries. The consolidation request is grounded in Wisconsin Statute 805.05 and seeks to streamline proceedings for efficiency and judicial resource conservation.
While the request has been put forward, no approval has been granted by the presiding judges overseeing the individual cases. It is emphasized that the civil suits are distinct from any criminal actions taking place concurrently. In the criminal realm, one individual faced prosecution in juvenile court, while another, Armstrong, was found guilty of multiple charges related to negligent use of an explosive. Sentencing for Armstrong is scheduled for April 11.
The criminal complaint details the events leading up to the explosion, highlighting Armstrong’s involvement in throwing a barrel into the fire, triggering a sudden eruption of flames that caused severe injuries to multiple individuals present at the scene. The Shawano County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed that around 17 teenagers suffered burn injuries among the approximately 60 attendees at the bonfire.
The legal proceedings surrounding the bonfire explosion serve as a tragic reminder of the consequences of negligent actions. As the lawsuits progress and potential consolidation looms, the community awaits the outcome of the legal deliberations to provide justice and closure for those affected by the incident.