BYRAM TOWNSHIP, NJ (Sussex County) – One person was injured and three people were charged after a fireworks incident that caught a homemade barge on fire on Monday night in Byram Township, according to police.
On July 3, at 9:42 p.m., police responded to 58 Birch Parkway for a report of people who needed to be rescued from Lake Mohawk. When the officers arrived, they observed a homemade barge on fire in the lake, police said.
Officers then learned that the barge caught fire during a fireworks display that was being conducted on the barge, police said.
According to police, it appeared that some of the fireworks ignited other fireworks, which then struck the individuals who were standing on the barge, police said.
Several individuals then jumped into the water with one of the individuals suffering severe burns. The individuals who jumped into the water were then picked up by a boat, which brought them to shore, police said.
Lakeland Emergency Squad arrived on scene and transported the injured person to an area hospital, police said.
During a the investigation, it was determined that some of the fireworks that were involved were commercial grade fireworks and not to be possessed or used by the public, police said.
Adam J. Perentin, 22, of Ogdensburg, Justin A. Pretot, 28, of Byram Township and Jessica M. Whittam, 23, of Byram Township were charged each charged with fourth-degree possession of dangerous fireworks, fourth-degree reckless endangerment, and possession/use of prohibited fireworks.
All three were released pending a court appearance, police said.
