Man Burned With Fireworks In Churchville

CHURCHVILLE, MD — A fireworks mishap sent a Harford County man to the hospital with first and second-degree burns this week, officials say. The man was illegally discharging fireworks on Wednesday night when the mortar exploded in the 100 block of Hopewell Road, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Zachary D. Cochran, 21, had been using a hollowed-out log to use as the base or platform so he could launch a firework at the location in Chuchville, investigators said.

The mortar discharged and exploded, burning him on his face and upper body, officials reported.

The Level Volunteer Fire Company and Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association responded to the incident at 8:53 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23.

According to investigators, Cochran was flown to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center by Maryland State Police helicopter.

With the summer and holiday weekend approaching, the fire marshal advises Marylanders that fireworks are illegal in the state, and people are encouraged for safety reasons to attend public and permitted displays.

File photo from Maryland State Police Aviation Command.