Fourth of July Fireworks Explosion on Lake Martin Leaves 6 Injured

Lake Martin July 4th Fireworks Explosion: What We Know

On Friday evening, July 4, 2025 at approximately 9:14 p.m, a modified pontoon boat on Lake Martin in Tallapoosa County in Blue Creek was used as a fireworks launch platform. The barge was positioned near the Hwy 49 Bridge. During the celebration, multiple fireworks erupted into an explosion. Multiple agencies responded including Marine Patrol. Multiple medical helicopters were brought in to evacuate the injured. The Blue Creek area was closed off to boaters for first responders on the scene. Members of our Facebook group commented that this fireworks show had been a yearly tradition for nearly 15 years.

The fireworks boat before the explosion submitted by Angel Moore.

ALEA Press Release

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Released the Following Press Release only July 5th at 10:45 am;

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY – A single vessel-related incident involving unpermitted fireworks occurred at approximately 9:14 p.m. Friday, July 4, resulted in an explosion that injured six individuals. A pontoon boat that had been modified into a fireworks platform malfunction during a planned fireworks celebration, resulting in an onboard explosion. The explosion resulted in the injuries of William C. Davis, 39, and Aaron L. Kovak, 49, who were both transported to the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) Hospital. Alan J. Simmons, 31, who was transported to the Lake Martin Community Hospital in Dadeville for treatment. Johnathan R. Wilmarth, 43, Joshua A. Husted, 36, and Matthew Davila, 28, who were also transported to local area hospitals for medical treatment.

The incident occurred in Blue Creek on Lake Martin within Tallapoosa County. Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Marine Patrol Division responded to the scene and notified ALEA’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Hazardous Device Unit along with Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office. Special Agents with the Hazardous Device Unit and Deputy State Fire Marshals arrived on scene and were able to render the remaining unexploded fireworks safe.

This will be a joint investigation between ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division and the Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office. However, the Fire Marshal’s Office will be the lead investigating agency concerning the fireworks portion of the investigation. Nothing further is available as the investigation is ongoing.

** FIREWORK ADVISORY **

Never launch fireworks from boats unless specifically permitted and equipped with proper safety measures.
Avoid firing over crowded areas, marinas, or boats – embers can land and start fires.
Secure your fireworks setup to prevent tipping or misfires due to wind or movement.
Do not swim near areas where fireworks are being launched.
Remember to always celebrate responsibility.

Images Provided by ALEA

State Fire Marshall Requests Video

The Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office is seeking video of a fireworks explosion incident on Lake Martin on July 4.

If you were at the lake and have video to share with investigators, please email [email protected] or call the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 334-241-4166.

When do you need a Permit?

I reached out to the Alabama Law Enforcement Marine Patrol Division and asked when does someone need a permit for fireworks.

Per the Marine Patrol Division: “Any individual, group or association wishing to hold a marine exhibition on the public waters of this state that interferes with marine traffic or presents a potential safety hazard has to first obtain a permit from the Marine Patrol Division to do so. If the exhibition is being held on public waters under concurrent jurisdiction with the United States Coast Guard, the individual, group or association must also apply for a permit with the United States Coast Guard as well. Lake Martin is a sole state water under the exclusive jurisdiction of the State on non-registration recreational boating safety matters.”

If you have additional questions, you can reach out to Alabama Marine Patrol at [email protected]

Tragic Accident

This has been a tragic accident involving 6 members of the boating community. We ask that you pray for the injured and exercise caution when using fireworks.

Disclaimer:
This article contains references to laws and regulations that may change over time. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the content at the time you read it. For the most current legal information and updates, please visit the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s official website at alea.gov.