Two Hurt in Wisconsin Fireworks Blast

Several departments and agencies are investigating an explosion that happened at Bartolotta Fireworks Co. in the town of Genesee, near Wales, at about 9 a.m. The explosion was limited to one building in the back of the complex, which was destroyed. It was a 40-foot-by-60-foot structure. Firefighters said they do not yet know what caused it, but the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is at the scene. Two men were originally taken to Waukesha Memorial. One was in serious condition, and one was in good condition, according to a hospital spokeswoman. Both were awake and alert, 12 News reporter Kai Reed said. The man who was in serious condition has since been transported to Columbia St. Mary's burn unit. The third victim was taken directly to Columbia St. Mary's in Milwaukee. He has suffered noncritical burns and is in stable condition, according hospital spokeswoman Peg Cotter. According to an aunt, Nick and Rocco Bartolotta are two of the people injured. No fatalities have been reported. The Delafield Fire Department told 12 News that the initial call that came into them was that there were multiple injuries. Multiple fire and police crews are at the scene, including crews from Hartland and Pewaukee, Delafield, North Prairie, Wales. At 10:10 a.m., Steve Pederson, from the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department said the fire was mostly out. The warehouse is located on Jones Road near Summit Avenue near Highway 18 and Highway C in the Genesee Depot. Bartolotta is behind fireworks celebrations across the area -- including the Big Bang and the Fourth of July celebration at Milwaukee's lakefront. This isn't the first explosion for Bartolotta fireworks. In 1991, three people were killed at the plant in Genesee, including John Bartolotta. WISN 12 News has crews headed to the scene and this page will be updated as details become available. If you were near or at the scene and have any pictures from the fire or explosion, please e-mail them to 12 News. Send them to WebStaff@TheMilwaukeeChannel.com.