EmergencyNet News Service
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/03/96-20:30CDT

FireWorks Incident Turns Deadly In Ohio

Chicago, IL, July 3, 1996 (ENN) --What is being described as an "act of extreme stupidity" that may have started out as a "prank" has apparently turned deadly today in Scottown, Ohio. Eight people are reported dead and another twelve injured, including at least two small children. Three people are still reported in critical condition, with smoke inhalation and burns, at nearby Cabell Huntington Hospital, according to a hospital spokesperson.

Lawrence County Sheriff Roy Smith, says that he believes that the tragedy in the fireworks store was the work of three men in their early 20's, who allegedly lit a fire in a box of fireworks in the back of Ohio River Fireworks building. The three youths, who have not been identified or charged, are reportedly in custody at the Lawrence County jail.

Most of the bodies of the victims were reportedly found near the front door of the retail fireworks store. Fire and police investigators hypothesized that they were killed in a "stampede" as they all scrambled to exit the building, with multiple explosions going off.

Fire department sources said that the fire took almost three hours to bring under control and that there may still be bodies inside. They say that after initial extinguishment that they were waiting for the interior to cool off before a more extensive search could be undertaken. The entire incident remains under investigation by Sheriff's deputies and fire/arson personnel.

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