The Fourth of July turned deadly in West Texas as the result of a Gilmer fireworks explosion. The blast caused a significant fire at a public event venue that results in the death of one individual and injuries to four others. The deadly explosion and fire occurred at the ironically named Firehouse 9 Farm, located at 4101 Locust Road in Gilmer. The blast was reported at 10:30 in the morning. The name of the individual killed in the explosion has not yet been released to the press or public, pending notification of family.  

Multiple agencies responded to the West Texas explosion, including: 

• Upshur County Sheriff’s Office 
• Local constables 
• Multiple fire departments 
• Multiple emergency medical personnel 

Preliminary Information on Cause of West Texas Explosion 

The catastrophic Gilmer Fourth of July explosion involved more than just fireworks. Deadly fireworks explosions are alarmingly commonplace on and around Independence Day in Texas and across the United States. In the case of the West Texas explosion and fire, there were volatile flammable items at the site of the planned fireworks display that contributed to the blast.  

It is unclear at this time precisely what were the volatile flammable items at the scene. Another open question is why these volatile flammable substances were at the same location as fireworks intended to be used at a public display on the night of the blast to celebrate the holiday.  

Investigation Commenced into Gilmer Fourth of July Explosion 

As was the case with addressing the explosion and fire itself, multiple agencies are now involved in investigating the incident. These are: 

• Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office 
• U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms 

• Upshur County Sheriff’s Office 
• Upshur County Emergency Management 

No specific timeframe has been provided as to when more information will be available as a result of this multifaceted investigation.  

Second Major Gilmer Fourth of July Explosion 

The 2023 deadly explosion on the Fourth of July in Gilmer is the second such incident in recent in years. On the evening of July Fourth 2015, another fireworks explosion occurred in Gilmer causing significant damage and injuries:  

• The 2015 explosion was caused by a malfunction in one of the fireworks, which ignited the rest of the fireworks in the area. 
• The explosion caused a fire that destroyed several cars and damaged nearby buildings. 
• At least 15 people were injured in the explosion, with some suffering from burns and shrapnel wounds. 

• Emergency responders, including firefighters and police officers, quickly arrived on the scene to assist those who were injured. 
• The explosion was captured on video by multiple witnesses, which helped investigators determine the cause of the incident. 

Important Facts About Fourth of July Fireworks Injuries and Deaths 

Although intended to be a time for celebration, the Fourth of July is also a point on the calendar when serious and even deadly explosions and other related accidents and incidents occur: 

• In 2019, there were 10,000 fireworks-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments. 

• 73 percent of those injuries occurred between June 21 and July 21. 
• Males accounted for 57 percent of fireworks-related injuries. 
• Children under the age of 15 accounted for 36 percent of fireworks-related injuries. 
• Sparklers, which are often thought of as a safe firework for children, accounted for 900 of the reported injuries in 2019. 
• Firecrackers accounted for the highest number of injuries, with 1,300 reported in 2019. 

• In 2019, fireworks caused five deaths. The total number of deaths in 2023 is not yet known. 
• The most common body parts injured were hands and fingers, accounting for 28 percent of all fireworks-related injuries. 
• In 2019, fireworks caused an estimated $105 million in property damage. 

Legal Rights Following a Texas Explosion Accident 

If you have been injured in a Texas explosion accident, the legal team at The Doan Law Firm is here for you. You can reach our firm any time of the day or night by calling us at (800) 349-0000. Our Texas explosion accident lawyer telephone line is staffed seven days a week, 52 weeks a year, including all major holidays.  

We can schedule an initial consultation with an experienced Texas explosion accident lawyer at anyone of our offices located across the state, at your home, at the hospital, or online. There is never a charge for an initial consultation with a Doan Law Firm Texas explosion accident attorney. Indeed, our firm never charges an attorney fee unless we win your case for you.