An explosion and subsequent fire this January at a Grandview business was the result of an illegal fireworks factory, officials confirmed Friday.
A spokesman with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms told 41 Action News on Friday the investigation is nearly complete, and all evidence points to illegal fireworks activity.
The spokesman said charges are still pending in the case.
BACKSTORY
The Grandview business that served as a sort of front for the operation may have been due for a fire marshal's inspection soon, too, a prior investigation revealed.
JW's Lawn and Garden Equipment had a valid license with the city of Grandview, but court records show owner Jim Witt has a history of financial problems. The records show 18 judgments and liens against Witt over the last two decades from various financial institutions and medical providers.
State records show Witt first registered his business with the state of Missouri more than 30 years ago in 1985.
Investigators from the ATF told 41 Action News in January they found evidence and materials involving in manufacturing fireworks. If inspectors had found fireworks in one of the business' prior inspections, that could've been a red flag because according to ATF, "the manufacture of consumer fireworks requires a manufacturer's license."
ATF inspectors found a wood burning stove in the business, which could have easily ignited the fireworks material.
Officials said no one was injured in the fire, but the explosion damaged several nearby homes.
Residents near JW's Lawn and Garden Equipment were not able to stay in their homes following the blast Tuesday night.
"I’m traumatized. I’m really upset. This has really knocked me for a loop. I am sick to my stomach, I got so sick last night I threw up. My house is a mess," said neighbor Deborah Cullen, who was knocked out of her chair from the force of the explosion.
Cullen's home is one of many with shattered windows. Neighbors said they felt multiple blows, following one big blast.
"I didn't know what to do, " said Cullen. "I came out and looked outside and it exploded again.”
Tamra Siders also came outside to see billowing clouds of thick, black smoke.
“It was just a big, huge red and orange ball of flames, and smoke was rolling that way," she explained.
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