19-year-old killed by firework explosion in Kalkallo

Christmas will “never be the same” for the family of a young man killed in an explosion in Kalkallo, as police warn against buying illegal fireworks online.

A man has died after a fireworks incident in Melbourne’s outer north on Christmas Day.

Police were called to reports of an explosion on Pittsburgh Rd and Cloverton Blvd in Kalkallo about 9.10pm on Wednesday.

Detectives are investigating after a man was killed in a firework explosion in Kalkallo.

When they arrived, they found a 19-year-old man from Whittlesea with critical injuries.

He died at the scene.

The shocking incident occurred in a residential development area adjacent to Harlem Lane.

Detectives were on scene on Thursday morning.

A Toyota HiLux, parked about 100m away from the scene, was also inspected.

Detectives removed a PVC pipe from the vehicle and placed into an evidence bag.

A man has died in a fireworks incident in Kalkallo.

The nearby construction area was fenced off and signs displayed around the perimeter warned only authorised persons were permitted, however a section of temporary fencing where the car appears to have entered from had fallen down.

Pam Kumar, who lives on the street, said he was shocked to hear the teen had died.

“Finding out something has happened, a boy had been killed … it’s really bad,” he said.

“I don’t know where they’d find these crackers that make such a big explosion that (could) kill someone … that’s too dangerous.”

Another resident said that she had heard fireworks going off at the same location at around 9pm for a few days in a row.

“I’ve heard it frequently for the last couple of days,” she said.

Victoria Police Acting Senior Sergeant Fiona Parvin said it was an awful thing for the man’s to be dealing with at this time of year.

“It’s horrendous … (Christmas is) a day they will never ever see the same. It’s tragic,” she said.

With New Year’s Eve only days away, she warned Victorians that fireworks were classed as explosives and should only be used by licenced pyrotechnicians.

“Fireworks should not be handled by the public. They are highly volatile,” she said.

“They need to be handled by professionals, which is why they’re illegal.

“You run the risk of harming yourself and you run the risk of setting the state on fire.

“Go to the fireworks displays that are legal, and being run by professionals.”

Acting Senior Sergeant Fiona Parvin said police were aware that of several social media pages and websites offering illegal fireworks for sale.

“Unfortunately, people have been able to get them online, through various social media outlets … which is distressing for us,” she said.

“If you find out about any fireworks being sold, please report them to the police.”

An investigation into the man’s death are ongoing.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Originally published as 19-year-old killed by firework explosion in Kalkallo