Authorities were initially worried about entering the scene out of concern that not all the fireworks had detonated. They returned Thursday, but treaded lightly.
``The hot zone is still smoldering, which is limiting part of the area that they can really get to,'' said Debbi Redfield, spokeswoman for Bonita Springs Fire Rescue. ``We're there to make sure no other fires spark.''
The explosion occurred Wednesday afternoon as workers unloaded a truck filled with fireworks for the Fourth of July celebration in Bonita Springs, a Gulf Coast town of about 40,000 people.
The blast shook the ground for at least a mile, spewed colorful bursts of flames from the truck and scattered debris for 100 yards in every direction. The explosion blackened 10 to 15 acres of the park where the fireworks display was to be held.
The sole survivor sprinted into the nearby water and avoided serious injuries. Juanita Combs, was treated and released from HealthPark Medical Center in Fort Myers.
``The amazing thing about her is when the explosions started and she heard it, she ran and jumped in the water, so her injuries are not very great,'' Lee County Sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Michael Maschmeier said.
Investigators planned to interview her Thursday. Combs is believed to be from the St. Louis area, where the shipment of fireworks originated.
Four people died Wednesday and the fifth victim, identified as Ken Kinard of Cocoa Beach, died Thursday at the burn unit at Tampa General Hospital.
Identities of the four people killed were not immediately available. Authorities said they were burned beyond recognition.
There was no early indication of the cause of the blast, according to officials with the sheriff's office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Susan Harvey, the owner of Sunset Fireworks of Dittmer, Mo., the company shipping the display, arrived in Fort Myers to speak with investigators. The company and its sister company, Pyro Products, have been the target of several federal investigations in recent years following deadly explosions at their plants.
Bonita Springs Mayor Paul Pass said the city contracted with Sunset Fireworks last year and were thrilled with the display. The town's holiday parade will go on Friday as scheduled, with a tribute to the people who were killed.
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