Fourth worker dies after Outer Banks fireworks explosion

Death toll rises to 4 after Outer Banks fireworks explosion B3

OCRACOKE, N.C.-- Two more workers who had been preparing for an Independence Day celebration died of injuries suffered when a truckload of fireworks exploded on a dock, authorities said.

One of the workers died at the scene Saturday, and three others died later at area hospitals, including one who died yesterday, said Hyde County spokeswoman Jamie Tunnell.

Another person was listed in fair condition at the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center at UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill.

The workers were unloading fireworks from the truck when it blew up.

Earl Woodham, a spokesman for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said agents determined the cause was accidental. The ATF will not investigate further, but a workplace-safety agency such as the state Labor Department likely will try to find the specific cause, he said.

Dock master Robert Raborn noticed the workers unloading the truck Saturday from the Anchorage Marina about 200 yards away and described the explosion as one of the loudest sounds he has ever heard.

"It was like 40 minutes' worth of fireworks going off in four seconds," Raborn said.

Authorities have not released the names of the workers, four men and one woman.

The victims worked for Melrose South Pyrotechnics near Rock Hill, S.C. The company said it had sent a representative to work with investigators.

Meanwhile, a silent parade was held yesterday in tribute to the victims and the people who responded to the explosion, following the intended route of Saturday's Independence Day parade.