A 30-year-old man named Kyler Efinger died after breaching security at Salt Lake City International Airport and entering an Airbus A220-100's engine cowling. The incident occurred after Efinger, a ticketed passenger, passed through a TSA checkpoint and later caused a disturbance in the terminal. He accessed the airfield through an emergency exit and was found unconscious by authorities, with his clothes on the runway. Despite CPR and naloxone administration, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigations by Salt Lake City police and federal agencies, including the FAA, NTSB, and TSA, are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the breach and Efinger's death. The airport is reviewing its response to improve future security and communication.
Multiple state capitols, including those in Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, and Mississippi, were evacuated due to bomb threats. Officials, such as Georgia's top elections official Gabriel Sterling, urged caution and advised against jumping to conclusions about the perpetrators, emphasizing the potential for "chaos agents" to sow discord ahead of the 2024 elections. The threats come as the nation approaches the third anniversary of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and follow reports of increased threats to government workers.
During New Year's Eve celebrations on Treasure Island in San Francisco, one person died following an accident involving fireworks. The incident occurred just after midnight, and despite receiving medical attention from first responders, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The San Francisco Police Department is investigating the event, and the identity of the deceased has not been disclosed. Witnesses reported hearing an explosion and screaming. Authorities are seeking information from the public.
A 39-year-old man died after a shark encounter off the coast of Maui, Hawaii. Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, he succumbed to his injuries at Maui Memorial Medical Center. His identity is being withheld for 24 hours to allow family notifications. Shark attacks are rare, with fatal incidents being particularly uncommon. The last fatal shark encounter in Hawaii was recorded in December 2022.
An older adult man died in a house fire in Braintree on Saturday, in a home without working smoke detectors. The fire, reported around 4 a.m. by a passerby, was met with heavy smoke by firefighters. The fire is believed to be accidental and is under investigation. Fire Chief James O’Brien and State Fire Marshal Jon Devine emphasized the importance of having working smoke alarms and provided safety tips for maintenance and purchase.
