Broward County Child Suffers Severe Hand Injury in Fireworks Accident

In a tragic fireworks accident that occurred Tuesday morning in Deerfield Beach, Florida, a 6-year-old boy lost his hand. The incident took place on July 23, 2024, at around 10:15 a.m. in the 600 block of Northwest First Terrace.

At Magazine & Light Law Group, our thoughts are with the victim and his family during this difficult time. Our injury lawyers understand how injuries like this one can impact a victim’s life. We would like to remind the people of our community about the importance of firework safety, especially when young children are involved. 

Exploding Firework Causes Complete Hand Amputation

Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Michael B. Kane reported that first responders arrived at the scene to find the young boy with a “complete hand amputation” caused by an exploding firework. The child was immediately airlifted to Broward Health Medical Center for emergency treatment.

The boy’s father, who requested anonymity, informed Local 10 News that his son has undergone two surgeries and is currently in stable condition, recovering from the traumatic event.

Investigators were observed examining the area where the accident occurred, paying particular attention to a towel on a chair, a white flip-flop, and a small black shoe. It remains unclear whether the explosion happened inside or outside the home. According to the boy’s father, however, the victim found a firework outside and was playing with it when it exploded. No other injuries were reported in connection with this event.

The Broward Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Spokeswoman Miranda Grossman confirmed their involvement in the case.

As the investigation continues, authorities urge the public to exercise extreme caution when handling fireworks and to keep them out of reach of children at all times.

Fireworks Statistics: A Critical Reminder

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with fireworks, especially when accessible to children. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that there are thousands of fireworks-related injuries each year in the United States, with a significant portion affecting children under 15. In 2023, the organization received reports of approximately 9,700 injuries and eight deaths that were caused by fireworks.

An analysis of the injury data for the four weeks that surrounded the Independence Day holiday in 2023 revealed the following:

• Teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19 had the highest rate of fireworks-related injuries that were treated in emergency rooms.
• Children between 5 and 9 had the second-highest rate of emergency room visits due to fireworks injuries.
• Roughly 800 injuries that were treated in the ER were caused by firecrackers. Another 700 were caused by sparklers.
• Approximately 35% of firework injuries are to the fingers and hands, while the head, ears, and face account for 22%.
• Over 40% of firework injuries that require treatment in emergency rooms involve burns.
• Injuries and deaths are commonly caused by misuse and device malfunctions.

Leaving fireworks to the professionals is the safest option, but if you’re going to shoot them off yourself, the following safety tips can help prevent severe injuries and wrongful deaths. Safety experts recommend:

Adult supervision: Never allow young children to handle fireworks, including sparklers, which can reach temperatures over 1,000°F.

Proper usage: Only use fireworks outdoors and away from buildings and vehicles. Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks.

Legal compliance: Only purchase and use fireworks that are legal in your area.

Protective gear: Wear protective eyewear when using fireworks.

Water nearby: Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishaps.

Disposal: Soak used fireworks in water before disposing of them to prevent trash fires.

Alternatives: Consider attending professional fireworks displays instead of using consumer fireworks.

Local authorities often offer fireworks safety workshops before major holidays. Residents are encouraged to attend these sessions to learn proper handling techniques and understand local regulations.

As the community reflects on this tragic event, it serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with fireworks and the paramount importance of prioritizing safety in all celebrations involving these explosive devices.

If you or your loved one suffered injuries in a fireworks accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the personal injury lawyers at Magazine & Light Law Group for a free consultation. Call 727-499-9900.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association