18-year-old killed in New Year's fireworks accident on Treasure Island, friend confirms

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Less than an hour into the New Year, San Francisco police officers responded to a chaotic scene involving a fireworks injury on the 1200 block of Exposition Drive in Treasure Island neighborhood.

In the background a woman in distress shouted: "Where is my baby? Where is my baby? Where is he?"

A neighbor said a group was shooting fireworks when one of the large explosives hit a teenager in the head.

SFPD said the victim was given first aid but died on scene.

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"San Francisco fire did respond for a traumatic injury associated to New Year's Eve. San Francisco Police Department is investigating that incident," said Lieutenant Jonathan Baxter, public information officer for SF Fire.

On Monday, fireworks debris was visible in a trash can outside a home. Off camera, a friend of the victim said he was 18 years old and visiting the area to celebrate the New Year with friends.

Neighbors were shocked to hear that teen died.

"I woke up and came outside, and I saw there was a lot of commotion and a lot of people over there," said Keshaun Luckett, Treasure Island Resident. "A couple people mentioned that someone had passed away due to fireworks going off and hitting them."

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A death that has shaken this community who've left candles to remember the teen.

"That is pretty sad I didn't know that and that makes me upset. People are supposed to be safe. I'm not sure what happened, but it does suck going into the New Year hearing that," said Brad Burke, Treasure Island Resident.

San Francisco Fire is urging the public to call 311 and report illegal firework activity to keep communities safe.

"They are extremely dangerous. Again, no matter if it's a safe and sane firework or a so-called safe and sane firework or a professional grade firework that is being used by a nonprofessional -- any of those can ignite a fire. That fire can cause injuries, can cause death, bring down your home. If you have some that are airborne, those can cause airborne injuries," said Lieutenant Baxter.

San Francisco police ask anyone with relevant information to contact them at (415) 575-4444 or text TIP411.

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