Man dies in fireworks accident in Genesee County

A 32-year-old man was killed in a fireworks accident at a residence on Van Vleet Road in Clayton Township on Independence Day.

CLAYTON TOWNSHIP, Michigan (WJRT) – A man is dead after a fireworks explosion in Clayton Township on Independence Day.

Investigators with the Clayton Township Police Department said a large firework exploded near a 32-year-old man inside a residence in the 1200 block of North Van Vleet Road. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say the man was setting off fireworks when one of the tubes began to fall over. As he tried to right it, the grenade detonated, causing serious head injuries.

“It appears the gentleman was attempting to launch a missile with a mortar shell tube,” said Clayton Township Police Detective Troy Belanger. “The tube appeared to be tilted. At that point, it appeared he was attempting to grab the tube and re-orient it when it exploded in his hand.”

To protect his family’s privacy, police did not release the man’s identity Friday. Clayton Township police will continue to investigate the accident.

“Fireworks have been a staple of this country for decades. They can be fun, but fireworks are inherently dangerous and require great respect,” Belanger said. “I hope everyone has a very safe holiday and takes good care of their friends and family.”