Authorities continue to investigate Pulaski bonfire explosion

By: Daniela Cado

Posted: Oct 18, 2022 2:53 PM CST | Updated: Oct 20, 2022 8:46 PM CST

NOW: Authorities continue to investigate Pulaski bonfire explosion

Updated: October 20, 2022 at 8:40 p.m.

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- According to officials, about 60 people who were at the bonfire have now been identified.

Authorities confirmed they have met with about 20 victims so far.

Deputies said the gathering took place at around 6 p.m. last Friday, and the explosion happened between 10:50 p.m. and 10:55 p.m.

Authorities confirmed the accelerant put on the fire was a " gas and diesel fuel mixture."

It was a 55-gallon drum that was around a quarter of the way full.

The Sheriff's Office said at least four people are still in hospital burn centers -- some in critical condition.

Police said an accelerant--some sort of gas and diesel fuel mixture--was poured onto the bonfire, causing it to burn out of control. At least 17 victims were self-transported to nearby hospitals and are still dealing with severe injuries, some with second and third-degree burns. Some parents told CBS 58 that it looks like most of the victims will recover, but unfortunately, some of them will be dealing with the emotional and physical trauma for life.

Isaac Nelson was taken to Columbia St. Mary's ICU Burn Center where he will remain for the next two to three weeks. His mother Julie Nelson was too emotional to go on camera but in a Facebook post said he "has burns on 21% of his body and will need multiple skin grafts to repair the damage."

Shawano County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Chris Madle said they never received a 911 call about the blaze.

"So, we did not receive any 911 calls, we received one 911 hang-up call that was plotted in the area, but was not at the residence," said Lt. Madle. "Our sheriff's office believes that they did not call 911 as there was evidence of underage drinking there and when we got to the scene. We're trying to assure the public and assure kids that our concern right now is not underage drinking; our concern is finding out what happened."

Lily Koellner of Brookfield was visiting friends from her rugby team and planned to celebrate homecoming with them that weekend, according to a GoFundMe page. She was immediately taken to Madison with third-degree burns on her legs, as well as serious burns on her face and hands.

Pulaski Community School District Superintendent Allison Space issued a statement on Monday, saying:

"This is an unprecedented situation, but it is in times of crisis that the Pulaski community has shown time and again that we will pull together to overcome."

Nevertheless, Lt. Madle said he's never seen anything like this.

"In the 10 years I have been in law enforcement, this is the first time I've seen some type of bonfire explosion," he said. "When we are throwing substances onto fires that are flammable, there's no telling what's going to happen."

No charges have been filed yet. Shawano police are asking any victims or witnesses who have not spoken to law enforcement to please do so this Wednesday at the Pulaski Police Department from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

You can donate directly to some of the victims' GoFundMe pages below:

Authorities continue to investigate Pulaski bonfire explosion

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