An explosion of illegal fireworks in northeast Salem sent five people to the hospital on Saturday evening, the Fourth of July, according to the Salem Police Department.

The explosion seriously injured four of them and damaged multiple vehicles and houses, a statement Sunday, July 5, by Salem police said. None of the injuries were life-threatening, according to police.

Although the explosion is under investigation, police said it was likely caused by illegal mortars “used outside of manufacturing guidelines,” the statement said. Mortars are a type of firework that launches shells from a tube stand.

The explosion happened on the 4200 block of Northeast Prairie Star Court late evening on Saturday, the Fourth of July, around 10:44 p.m., according to dispatch records.

The explosion was called in as a medical emergency, and at least four fire department units responded, dispatch records show.

Along with police officers, emergency responders with the Salem Fire Department also arrived on scene. Responders then took the five injured people to a hospital.

Officers with the police bomb squad worked with a fire marshal from the Salem Fire Department to conduct an on-scene investigation of the explosion.

Salem police detectives from the Felony Crimes Unit are now leading an investigation into the incident, the statement said. No charges have been announced as of Sunday afternoon.

Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.