Investigations into the death of a fireworks operator in Union City continue

We have received new information about a fireworks explosion in Union City that left a 55-year-old man dead on Sunday.

Michael Cross, 55, was a licensed fireworks operator and was considered a professional by many. And yet, accidents can still happen, and the authorities are considering this an accident.

On Sunday morning, firefighters recovered the body of 55-year-old Michael Cross while preventing explosions and fireworks that continued to go off in the 8900 block of Hanlin Cross Road in Union City.

On Monday morning the scene was still active and dangerous.

“We didn’t know how many explosives were still in the facility,” said Bradley Barnhill, deputy fire marshal for the Pennsylvania State Police.

The fire safety officers present on site stated that the situation was still not safe and therefore ordered the detonation of all explosives still present on the site.

Cross had the appropriate licenses to own and work with professional fireworks displays and to perform shows for municipalities and companies.

He was well versed in fireworks safety precautions, and it was estimated that there was a considerable amount of gunpowder in the building.

“Explosives are dangerous, even for professionals, and unfortunately accidents happen,” said Ronald Sabotchick, agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

“When an explosion or fire involves gunpowder or nitroglycerin, all it takes is a single spark. That spark could have come from wiring, static electricity or a falling object. There are 100 different causes and that’s why it’s important that we do a thorough investigation,” Barnhill said.

A neighbor who lives across the street from the incident said he has known Cross his entire life and has seen him put on bigger shows every year.

“I didn’t know what to think. I came home, saw everything that had happened and thought ‘oh my God.’ And then to find out what had happened to him was devastating,” said John Youc.

“It’s only the first day. As far as we know, it looks like an accident, but a lot of investigation is still needed,” Sabotchick said.

State police are asking the public to avoid the area during the investigation.