Man dies in explosion while setting off fireworks in Tasmania

Horror as man dies in explosion while setting off fireworks in front of crowd of more than 100 onlookers

  • Man has died while trying to light fireworks in Tasmania’s north on Friday night
  • Police say the man was struck in the chest and shoulder during the explosion
  • It’s understood around 100 people were attending a gathering at the property 


A man has died in an explosion triggered as he was trying to ignite a firework in Tasmania’s north.

Police say the accident happened overnight at a property at Birralee, about 40 kilometres from Launceston.

Initial investigations suggest the victim, in his 50s, was attempting to light the cracker using a metal cylinder.

A man has died in an explosion triggered as he was trying to ignite a firework in Tasmania’s north (stock image pictured)

Police say he was struck in the chest and shoulder during the blast.

Attempts to resuscitate him at the scene were unsuccessful.

Officers were called to the incident at midnight.

It’s understood around 100 people were attending a gathering at the property.

No-one else was hurt.

The incident is being treated as non-suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk