Fireworks Explosion Blows Off Riverview Resident's Thumb

News Report

A Riverview man is recovering from injuries sustained when some fireworks exploded and blew off his thumb.

Matthew Lewandowski, 24, was reportedly attending a party in Tampa at about 1:30 a.m. July 4 where he loaded a fireworks mortar into a fiberglass tube and lit the fuse while holding the tube in his hand. However, instead of blasting off, the mortar exploded in his hands, according to Tampa police.

Police say the explosion blew off his left thumb and burned his arms, stomach and right leg.

Lewandowski was taken to Tampa General Hospital for reconstructive surgery.