Teen Loses Hand, Suffers Severe Burns In Fireworks Accident In Oceanside

OCEANSIDE, CA — A teenager lost a hand and suffered severe burns when a fireworks device detonated in his hand Thursday in Oceanside, authorities said.

The device exploded shortly before 9 a.m. at 318 North Horne St., according to the Oceanside Fire and Oceanside Police departments. The 15-year-old boy suffered severe burns to his chest and face, as well as the "traumatic amputation" of his right hand.

Firefighters and paramedics treated the boy at the scene before he was taken by helicopter to UC San Diego Burn Center.

No other injuries were reported.

"Fireworks are extremely dangerous and not toys," the police department said on social media. "This incident is a reminder of how quickly fireworks can cause life-changing injuries."