11 Injured in Wisconsin Fireworks Explosion

Eleven people including a firefighter have been hurt in a fireworks accident in the central Wisconsin town of Rome.

Rome Police Chief Adam Grosz says it happened about 9:30 p.m. Saturday during a professional fireworks show at Romano’s Pizzeria.

Grosz says the initial investigation indicates a 5-inch tube malfunctioned and exploded on the ground, setting off several other fireworks and sending debris flying into the crowd.

The police chief says 28-year-old Derek Bodette, of Wisconsin Rapids and 77-year-old Marlene Fuller, of Janesville, were flown to a hospital in Neenah where both were listed in stable condition. Bodette was on the crew running the fireworks display.

A Rome firefighter was treated and released from a Wisconsin Rapids hospital.

The Rome Police and Fire departments and Adams County Sheriff’s Department are investigating.