Fatal car crash in Florida sets off firecrackers

A driver was killed after crashing into a Florida fireworks store Monday, which burst into flames after the impact.

John Marcano, 53, was driving an SUV along West New Haven Avenue in west Melbourne at 4:15 p.m. when it rammed into a Toyota, causing both cars to speed through an intersection and into the parking lot of the Phantom Fireworks store, officials told News 6 With.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Marcano fell into the building, setting off the fireworks inside and setting the store ablaze.

In video posted by Brevard County Fire Rescue, multiple firecrackers and bangers can be heard inside the store as bright flames and thick smoke roll across the roof.

Crews “found severe and rapidly deteriorating fire conditions with heavy involvement from the fireworks inside the building,” the agency said.

All that remains of the building is a charred facade.

Two Phantom Fireworks employees were working in the back of the store but managed to escape after Marcano fell inside, Florida Today reported.

Marcano was found dead at the scene.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Channing Taylor, Lt. Florida Highway Patrol, said the 39-year-old driver of the Toyota pulled over to the curb to exchange information with Marcano after hitting her, but Marcano hit her again, pushing her across the intersection and into the parking lot.

“An autopsy will be performed. Hopefully the coroner can sort that out,” Taylor said. “The family was unable to provide any information that would explain what happened.”

The driver of the Toyota was unharmed.

Marcano was on his way to pick up his two sons when he was killed, his cousin Roxana Dominguez said.

“He was just a fun and happy guy. He loved his wife, his children. Hard workers who have worked for the same company for 18 years,” Dominguez said.