An explosion in Honolulu caused by illegal aerial fireworks shooting into a crate with more fireworks killed three and critically injured 20, police said.

Honolulu mayor Rick Blangiardi said in a statement that the explosion was "caused by what appears to be illegal fireworks"

A fireworks-related incident in Hawaii has left two people dead and 22 injured, according to a local news report. The incident took place in Salt Lake-Aliamanu, a neighborhood near Honolulu, and Honolulu Emergency Medical Services have reached the scene, according to Hawaii News Now.

In recent years, occasions large and small — parties, Super Bowls, mixed martial arts fights, even Thanksgiving — have provided a reason for residents across Hawaii to set

After explosions set off by fireworks in New Year's celebrations in Honolulu killed three women and injured more than 20 people, including children, authorities and residents now wonder whether the toll will dissuade people from putting on such shows in the future or whether it will prompt more effective efforts by police to crack down.

The incident, which occurred during a New Year's celebration, is raising questions about the risks fireworks pose, particularly in Hawaii.