As family heals, police investigate fireworks explosion

PELHAM, N.H. (WHDH) -- Family members are still split up right now between standing by at the hospital and stopping by the home on Dodge Road.

Charred wood is left behind Thursday after a fireworks accident injured 11 people.

“It all happened in a heartbeat, and no one had a chance to do anything except to try help the people who needed help immediately,” said Mark Darling, the family’s spokesperson.

The owner of this Pelham, New Hampshire home underwent surgery Thursday, as did his two-year-old grandson at Shriner's hospital. The toddler remains in a medically induced coma but is expected to come out of it Friday.

“This is supposed to be a time when they get family and friends together for a nice evening, and so it's been a very difficult time,” said Darling.

Friends and family had gathered in the backyard to watch an annual fireworks display Tuesday night. Darling said that's when a stray piece of firework landed on a supply of other fireworks, exploding. 6 adults and 5 children were hurt.

Police interviewed people Thursday as they continued their investigation. More than 90 boxes of fireworks were removed from the house Wednesday.

Darling said they were all bought legally in New Hampshire.

“This is something that they've done annually, and unfortunately, because of a tragic accident--that's all it was was an accident--things got a little out of hand,” said Darling.

The owner of the home also owns an insurance company in Pelham with his brother, while his wife runs a beauty salon out of the house.