Fireworks believed to cause thunderous blast that killed a Southern Kentucky man
A Somerset man who died Sunday after a thunderous explosion demolished a garage at his home made fireworks and would have had explosive powder, according to a neighbor.
The explosion Sunday about 10 a.m. broke windows and damaged drywall in neighboring houses and could be heard miles away.
“Scared the hell right out of me,” said Shelley Watson, who lives next door.
The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the explosion with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Kentucky State Police.
One man died as a result of the explosion, which happened in a subdivision just outside the city.
On Monday, Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones identified the man who died as Chris Fineberg.
Responding deputies discovered a garage had been destroyed by the explosion, Jones said.
Watson was outside her house at the time and was hit by debris.
“It was so loud and scary,” she told the Herald-Leader.
Watson said she heard nine or 10 more big blasts after the initial detonation, and fireworks continued to go off for 30 minutes or more.
According to Jones, the explosion is thought to be the result of fireworks and “other material in the garage.”
Capt. Mark Gretz with Parkers Mill Volunteer Fire Department said firefighters from another department miles away reported hearing the blast.
Gretz said the blast caused damage at a number of other homes.
“It stretches way, way back,” Gretz said of the damage.
The ATF is assisting local agencies, according to Cassandra Mullins, public information officer for the Louisville Field Division of the federal agency.
Mullins reported the sheriff’s office is the lead investigating agency. Jones said there are no further threats to the public.
Because there is large debris field and the investigation is unfolding, the public should avoid the area if possible.
If someone in the area locates anything that looks like debris or is suspicious, notify the ATF or other local agencies.
