Fireworks incident ruled an accident

With his investigation completed, state fire marshal Butch Amann has concluded that the Jackson fireworks incident was an accident.

The Jackson Jaycees were conducting their annual Fourth of July fireworks display at the Jackson City Park when the launch stand collapsed and three-inch shells launched into the crowd, injuring spectators.

Amann hopes to have the report ready to send to Jefferson City, Mo., by the end of the week.

According to Amann, the number of injuries and specific cause of the fireworks stand collapse will likely remain a mystery.

Due to the mass confusion and help from ambulances on site, Amann said that it isn't likely that a specific number of those injured will be available.

Amann said he was unable to inspect the stand before it was disassembled from its original state and would likely be unable to determine why it collapsed.

As for a permit that was supposed to be sent to Jefferson City by the organization in charge of the fireworks display, Amann said that no permit was on file.

Miscommunication

"There was some administrative miscommunication about the permit process, but I think we have that straightened out," he said.

Amann said that a letter will probably be sent to the fireworks display coordinators regarding the permit process to clarify remaining problems.

In the future the fire department will probably create a set of standards an organization must meet to obtain a permit for a fireworks display, he said.

The Jackson Jaycees did have the proper insurance for the show, though, he explained.