A 30-year-old man suffered severe injuries to his hand and face when a firework exploded in his hand, according to Auburn Police.
Detectives say the mortar shell-like explosive was powerful enough to sever the man’s artery. He’s now recovering at Harborview Medical Center.
Witnesses in the 3700 block of I Street in Auburn said they heard a rattling explosion around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. It was followed by a man’s blood curdling screams. Investigators believe the man and his wife were setting off fireworks by a river behind the neighborhood.
After the blast shook Sandra Olson's home, she saw the man running from the trail, clutching his hand.
“His face was burnt,” she said. “I feel sorry for the guy. I mean, I know we’re supposed to know better and everything, but boy, it takes one second and he was in a great deal of pain.”
A passerby who happened to be a medic put a tourniquet on the man until first responders arrived. That move likely saved his life, according to officials.
The victim will need to receive several surgeries on his hand.
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Cox Media Group
