One Dead, One Injured in Fireworks Explosion on Somerset Lake

A Fourth of July celebration turned tragic Friday night when a fireworks explosion on Somerset Lake in the town of Hancock killed one man and injured another, according to the New York State Police.

At approximately 9:40 p.m., troopers from the Deposit barracks responded to a report of a fireworks accident near Ridge Runner Road after being dispatched by the Delaware County 911 Center.

Preliminary findings indicate that two men were on a pontoon boat launching fireworks when multiple devices ignited simultaneously, causing a violent explosion. One of the men was pronounced dead at the scene. The other was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities have not yet released the identities of those involved as the investigation continues.

The New York State Police thanked the Hancock Fire Department, Hancock EMS, and Delaware County emergency responders for their assistance at the scene.

Image: Somerset Lake in Delaware County, NY. (Credit: Somerset Lake Facebook)