FL Teen Loses Fingers In July 4 Fireworks Mishap: Reports

LAUDERHILL, FL — A Lauderhill teenager cleaning up spent fireworks lost fingers on his right hand and burned his face and chest when one accidentally exploded after July 4 festivities, according to multiple reports.

The 13-year-old’s grandmother told Local 10 that the boy thought the firework was “done” when he picked it up, but it exploded in his hands.

First responders said, though, that the teen was trying to light the mortar-type of firework when the explosion happened, according to CBS News.

He was brought to Broward Health Wednesday around 1 a.m. after partially losing all five fingers on his hand and with burns to his body, NBC Miami said.

"These were the explosives that we found out here last night," Lauderhill Fire Chief Jerry Gonzalez said. "These are high grade mortar type fireworks. They drop a ball — mortar barrel — and they fly into the air."