Explosive 'Malfunction' At Naugatuck Fireworks Show: Video

NAUGATUCK, CT — One week after officials blamed "a significant malfunction" for the abrupt end to Naugatuck's July 2 fireworks show at Breen Field, state and local officials said they are still trying to understand what caused the event to go up in smoke.

The Naugatuck Police Department and its investigators are working with the city's fire marshal and the Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosive Investigation Unit to determine why the explosive event fizzled, the department said.

"The facts and circumstances that resulted in the detonation remain under investigation," the department acknowledged in a Thursday news release, which included video footage of the explosive malfunction. The video appears to show fireworks detonating on the ground.

Still photos included in the video show the blasted remains of some fireworks — along with additional unexploded fireworks visible in the background.

On the night of July 2 fireworks show, the department tweeted the event would conclude early "due to a significant malfunction." In a subsequent tweet, police said the remaining fireworks had been safely discharged and disposed.

Whatever the cause of the mishap, the lesson is that fireworks are dangerous even when done by professionals, police said.

"Explosives are inherently dangerous and the fact that there was minimal damage and no reported injuries can be attributed to the adherence to strict safety measures enforced by fire officials," the department added. "The Naugatuck Fire Department and Naugatuck Police Department continue to warn the public against using illegal fireworks and hope this video highlights these dangers as we move into the summer season."