VIAN, Okla. (KNWA/KFTA) — One year ago, the lives of multiple eastern Oklahoma families were changed forever, including the Vian, OK family of 22-year-old Ely Smith. He died in the days after a fireworks explosion in Tuskahoma, OK on July 2, 2025.
Ely and a number of friends were hired to help prepare fireworks for an upcoming ‘Boom in the Valley’ fireworks celebration at the Tuskahoma Capitol Grounds when an explosion and resulting fire injured many, including 18-year-old Cash Collins and off-duty firefighter Brad Lewallen.
Six days later, Ely passed away in the hospital, unable to recover from his critical injuries and burns…