In a tragic incident in Aurora, Colorado, an explosion at Grandview Dog Park resulted in the death of a 42-year-old man from Strasburg. The explosion occurred just before 1 a.m. and is currently under investigation by local police, who are describing the event as an “accidental death.” Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the victim. However, they said the man had traveled to Aurora with friends to explore local food and beverage businesses before heading to the park with several large, potentially commercial-grade fireworks.
Federal law enforcement and Aurora police investigating firework explosion at Grandview Dog Park
Authorities arrived on the scene following multiple calls around 12:49 a.m. about a “suspicious occurrence involving an explosion.” Initial reports from the Aurora Police Department suggested the possibility of a homemade explosive device, but this was later updated to clarify that it remains uncertain whether the fireworks were homemade or purchased out of state.
Juan Molina, a local resident, recounted the terrifying moment to FOX31, saying, “At first I thought something had exploded inside the house the furnace or something.” In search of the source, Molina climbed onto his roof, only to hear noises emanating from the direction of the dog park. Another nearby resident, Estrella Bello, described the impact of the explosion as an “intense bam” that caused immediate concern for her children’s safety.
Police also found four additional explosive devices later at the dog park. The Aurora Police, alongside federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), are painstakingly piecing together the details of the incident. Despite a search of the deceased man’s residence in Strasburg, investigators found no evidence of explosive-making activity or additional fireworks.
Following the incident, authorities closed the park but later reopened it to the public around 3 p.m. on Thursday. Aurora Police are urging anyone with more information on the incident to come forward and contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.
