Fleming County man killed in fireworks accident over holiday weekend

FLEMING COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 News Now) — Fire officials in Fleming County are urging caution with fireworks after a tragic accident claimed the life of a local man over the holiday weekend.

According to the fire department, crews were called to Wallingford Road just after 10:30 p.m. Friday for reports of an accident during a fireworks show.

Officials say 45-year-old Dave Ratliff was putting on the display when he went to check on one of the fireworks. At that moment, it exploded, fatally injuring him.

Ratliff died at the scene. Fire officials confirmed there were no other injuries or property damage.

The department is reminding everyone to follow fireworks safety guidelines and never approach a device that fails to ignite as expected.