Fireworks Explosion on Massachusetts Beach Kills 70-Year-Old Man

A 70-year-old man, identified by authorities as Robert Spagnuolo of Wareham, died when a firework exploded in his face on Beach Street shortly after 9:20 p.m. during Independence Day celebrations. First responders found him with severe facial injuries and pronounced him dead at the scene.

Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz said the preliminary investigation shows Spagnuolo was setting off the device himself when it malfunctioned. The Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad, Wareham Police and the State Fire Marshal’s Office secured the area and are continuing to examine the cause of the explosion; no additional injuries were reported.

Personal fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts without proper licensing. The State Fire Marshal’s Office reports more than 550 fires and explosions tied to illegal fireworks in the past five years, causing nearly $1 million in property damage and injuring six firefighters, underscoring officials’ renewed calls for caution during holiday celebrations.