Liberty’s Fireworks May Fizzle Over Lack of Insurance

NEW YORK — Preparations for the Liberty Weekend fireworks display--billed as the biggest ever--were stalled today as organizers scrambled frantically to obtain insurance with less than two days to go.

The fact that no insurance had been obtained for the pyrotechnic display--touted as the most spectacular in history--was revealed Tuesday by Lee Iaccoca, chairman of the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation.

But Iaccoca said he was certain the problem would be resolved quickly. “Like any insurance it’s tough to come by,” he said.

By early this afternoon, however, one of the companies hired to provide the fireworks said its workers were idle because there was still no insurance.

“The greatest outdoor entertainment event of the 20th Century . . . may be canceled because of insurance,” said Philip Butler of Fireworks by Grucci, one of six companies providing fireworks for the display.