5 injured by northeast Salem fireworks explosion

An explosion of illegal fireworks in northeast Salem sent five people to the hospital on Saturday evening, the Fourth of July, according to the Salem Police Department.

The explosion seriously injured four of them and damaged multiple vehicles and houses, a statement Sunday, July 5, by Salem police said. None of the injuries were life-threatening, according to police.

Although the explosion is under investigation, police said it was likely caused by illegal mortars “used outside…