Holland man charged in fatal fireworks explosion
PARK TWP. — A local man has been charged with manslaughter after an explosion killed one and injured nine on July 3 in Park Township.
Anthony Jon Meyer, 37, was arraigned in 58th District Court in Ottawa County on Monday, Sept. 18.
According to a release from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Meyer brought a homemade “salute cannon” containing gunpowder to a gathering at 11:10 p.m. on Main Street. The device was meant to create a loud “salute” or boom when ignited, but instead exploded.
Metal pieces of the cannon were projected into the crowd.
Jana Daniels, 41, died after shrapnel struck her in the chest. Nine other people were hurt, with injuries ranging from minor to critical. Several vehicles and homes were also damaged. Daniels’ death was ruled accidental.
On Friday, Sept. 15, the Ottawa County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office authorized a charge of manslaughter against Meyer. He was arraigned via video call and given a $25,000 personal recognizance bond. He's been released from the Ottawa County Jail.
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The incident remains under investigation and anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office or Silent Observer at 1-877-88-SILENT or mosotips.com.
— Contact reporter Tess Ware at tware@livingstondaily.com. Follow her on Twitter @tess_journalist.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland man charged in fatal fireworks explosion
