Sunday morning fireworks explosion kills one

Carla Slavey, Commonwealth Journal, Somerset, Ky.
·2 min read

May 6—An investigation is underway after a Saturday morning explosion claimed the life of a Hidden Crest Drive resident.

Chris Fineberg, 43, was killed in an explosion that destroyed an outbuilding/shed. The explosion took place around 10 a.m.

The shed contained fireworks, and Pulaski Director of Emergency Management Director Don Franklin stated that something caused those fireworks to be ignited. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.

Fineberg worked as a supervisor at AHF Manufacturing. Comments on Facebook from those who knew Fineberg said that he had a side business making fireworks and selling them around the Fourth of July holiday.

Franklin stated Sunday that two other people were injured in the explosion. As of Monday afternoon, no further information on those people had been released.

Besides the destruction of the shed, Fineberg's home sustained damage, Franklin said.

The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office added that there was other property damage in the area.

Franklin said that the debris field from the explosion was around 200 yards across.

Because of that, PCSO is asking the public to avoid that area if possible.

They also ask that if those who are in the area find something that looks like debris not to touch it, but rather notify the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) or another local agency.

The explosion happened at 210 Hidden Crest Drive. A neighbor, David Daring, who lives at 105 Hidden Crest, said when it happened he heard a loud explosion followed by a series of crackling sounds. When he went outside, he said that he saw a column of smoke and "roman candle-like balls of light" coming out of the smoke.

Others reported hearing the explosion for several miles.

The area was closed for several hours.

ATF is investigating the cause of the explosion, while PCSO said the death investigation is being led by Sergeant Ron Hellard.

Along with PCSO and ATF, the Somerset Police Department, Kentucky State Police, Somerset-Pulaski Special Response Team, Emergency Management, Parkers Mill Fire Department, Somerset Fire Department and Tateville Fire Department responded to the scene.

Carla Slavey can be reached at cslavey@somerset-kentucky.com