A Levittown, New York, man has been arrested by an arson bomb squad after fireworks given to his 11-year-old son ignited a fire that damaged two homes. The incident occurred on the 4th of July and has drawn attention to the dangers of fireworks.
Nassau County Police responded to a house fire call at around 8:50 a.m. on Independence Day. Upon investigation, they found that Karamjit Singh, 33, had provided his son with a firework and instructed him to light it. The firework malfunctioned, setting a nearby shed on fire, which then spread to Singh’s house and a neighbor’s home.
A single mother renting part of the first affected house was forced to escape the flames. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but both homes suffered extensive damage. The Wantagh Fire Department extinguished the fires, and the Nassau County’s Arson Bomb Squad arrested Singh.
Singh has been charged with second-degree arson, fourth-degree reckless endangerment, selling fireworks to a minor, possessing fireworks illegally, and endangering the welfare of a child. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and was released without bail. His son was released to a family member.
The Nassau County Fire Marshals are conducting an investigation into the incident to understand the full circumstances and prevent future occurrences. The case underscores the significant risks associated with fireworks, particularly when they are mishandled or used by children.
This incident is part of a larger pattern of fireworks-related accidents during the 4th of July. In Suffolk County, a 21-year-old man lost three fingers and suffered burns, while a 66-year-old Brentwood man lost a hand and several fingers in similar accidents.
Across the country, the holiday saw several fatal fireworks mishaps. In South Carolina, a man died after placing a lit firework on his head during a block party, and in Tennessee, a 35-year-old man died from a chest wound caused by a firework explosion.
