WA Man Blows Himself Up Removing Gunpowder from Fireworks

The Island County Sheriff's Office now says a 42-year-old man who died on June 17th. in a massive explosion was set off by gunpowder.

The man was trying to remove explosive materials from fireworks

The body of Mark Fakkema was recovered a few days ago from the home on Strawberry Point Road in Oak Harbor, WA.

Authorities say June 17th, they were called to the home after a massive explosion and fire almost completely destroyed the structure. Investigators say Fakkema was trying to remove gunpowder and explosive materials from commercial-grade fireworks, so he could manufacture his own devices.

Officials said he didn't have any kind of fireworks license, the purpose of the devices is not yet known. Investigators have not said if he he was trying to make bigger fireworks, or whether he was making Improvised Explosive Devices, or IED's.

Get our free mobile app

Agents from the FBI, Homeland Security, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms continue to comb the scene for evidence and other leads. No one else was hurt in the incident.

LOOK: What are the odds that these 50 totally random events will happen to you?

Stacker took the guesswork out of 50 random events to determine just how likely they are to actually happen. They sourced their information from government statistics, scientific articles, and other primary documents. Keep reading to find out why expectant parents shouldn't count on due dates -- and why you should be more worried about dying on your birthday than living to 100 years old.

Gallery Credit: Isabel Sepulveda

LOOK: What major laws were passed the year you were born?

Data for this list was acquired from trusted online sources and news outlets. Read on to discover what major law was passed the year you were born and learn its name, the vote count (where relevant), and its impact and significance.

Gallery Credit: Katelyn Leboff

Source: WA Man Blows Himself Up Removing Gunpowder from Fireworks