Teen sentenced to jail and probation for bonfire explosion injuring over a dozen people

An 18-year-old has been sentenced to a year in jail and five years of probation after triggering a bonfire explosion that injured more than a dozen people at a backyard gathering in eastern Wisconsin.

Incident Details

The incident took place on October 14, 2022, in Maple Grove, approximately 25 miles northwest of Green Bay, where the teenager, Sam Armstrong, threw a barrel containing a mix of gasoline and diesel into a bonfire. This action sparked an explosion that resulted in burns for at least 17 of the approximately 60 youths present at the gathering.

Court Appearance and Sentencing

Sam Armstrong appeared in Shawano County Court and pleaded no contest to 13 counts of injury by negligent use of an explosive on February 5, 2023. Despite the plea not being an admission of guilt, it was considered as such during sentencing, leading to the aforementioned jail time and probation.

Teen's Statement

Armstrong told the police that he was unaware of the potential consequences of his actions and claimed that he had been drinking beer at the time of the incident. He also faces civil lawsuits from some of the injured individuals.

Victim's Response

One of the injured, Benjamin Van Asten, expressed forgiveness towards Armstrong, describing the incident as "one little slip-up" and emphasizing that Armstrong was simply "trying to be cool in front of all of his friends."

Armstrong's defense attorney, Greg Petit, conveyed Armstrong's remorse, shame, and embarrassment to the court, emphasizing his client's regret for the consequences of his actions.