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Fireworks Accident Leaves West Middlesex Man Dead

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Jul 6, 2009 10:35 am US/Eastern

Fireworks Accident Leaves West Middlesex Man Dead

QUAKERTOWN (KDKA) ― The investigation continues today after a local man, working a summer job with a fireworks company, died in an accident during a Fourth of July fireworks show in eastern Pennsylvania.

The victim, identified as 19-year-old David Allen Walker, of West Middlesex, worked for the Zambelli fireworks company, based in New Castle, Lawrence County.

"We are also a family at our company. We work as a team to try to make these events happen for everybody's enjoyment every year and when we lose a member of the team it impacts everybody at the company," said Doug Taylor, the president and CEO of Zambelli Fireworks.

Officials say Walker was killed during the grand finale of the fireworks display, which was being held at Memorial Park in Quakertown.

"Last night at Community Day at approximately 9:45 during the fireworks display, there was a mishap with one of the fireworks," said Cpl. Scott Fogel, of the Quakertown Police Department. "We had a misfire with one of the employees from the fireworks company in the vicinity of that, and he was struck by the debris from one of the fireworks."

The Quakertown police and the fire marshal are continuing an investigation into the incident.

They say it is unclear whether Walker was handling explosives or was walking by when the accident took place.

Officials say the show was stopped immediately and emergency crews tried to administer first aid on scene.

Walker was sent to St. Luke's Hospital where he was pronounced dead. He suffered head and neck injuries, officials say.

Taylor says the company is planning to meet with employees this week to go over safety procedures and provide counseling.

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