Lewiston Man Killed In Fireworks Accident

A Lewiston man was killed when some privately operated commercial fireworks exploded.

According to the State Fire Marshal's Office, 57-year-old Timothy Whitney Sr. died Sunday at a hospital after being injured in a fireworks explosion. Investigators say the fireworks shell was set into a cement cinder block outside of Whitney's son's house in Sabattus. The fireworks were commercial-grade and none of the people involved in the incident were licensed to operate them.

The Portland Press Herald reports the fireworks exploded, sending pieces of cement into two houses, about 140 feet away. Whitney was standing about 15 feet from the fireworks and was struck by several pieces of cement.

Three other family members who were standing nearby were not hurt in the incident.