Middlesex County Father, Son Charged In Fireworks Explosion

MIDDLESEX, NJ — A father and son were arrested for causing a fireworks explosion that hospitalized one man and caused widespread damage in Manville, announced Manville Deputy Police Chief Craig Jeremiah.

Thomas Kaiser, 60, of South Plainfield, and Erich Kaiser, 28, of Monmouth Junction, were each charged with aggravated assault (one count, fourth-degree), possession of explosive device (one count, third-degree), and criminal mischief (three counts, third-degree, two counts disorderly persons).

At around 8:15 p.m. July 6, Manville Police were notified of an explosion in the Valley section of the borough. Manville Police say the father and son attended a party that night, where they tried to set off a signal cannon (a device designed to create a large boom and smoke cloud when ignited).

The device exploded after being lit, sending shrapnel throughout the neighborhood, said Jeremiah. One man, 34, from Bridgewater, was seriously injured when the shrapnel went into his abdomen.

His injuries were so severe he had to be airlifted to Robert Wood Johnson in New Brunswick, which is the trauma hospital that serves Central New Jersey.

Additionally, several homes and vehicles were damaged from the explosion, said Jeremiah.

Thomas Kaiser and Erich Kaiser were released pending a first appearance in Somerset County Superior Court.

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to contact The Manville Police Department at 908-725-1900 or the Manville Police Tips Line at 908-725-1900 Ext. 3 to provide information anonymously. Information can also be provided through the Stopit app.