Man May Lose a Hand After Illegal Fireworks Explosion

Man May Lose a Hand After Illegal Fireworks Explosion
7/4/2018
Updated:
7/4/2018

In West Puente Valley, a 25-year-old man was severely injured after illegal fireworks exploded in his hands on Monday, according to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.

The incident happened in an unincorporated area in San Gabriel Valley around 9:00 a.m., according to KTLA. The man was soon airlifted to the L.A. County+USC Medical Center by LASD Air Rescue. Authorities said he may lose a hand.

Nearby residents told the news outlet that they’ve been hearing the sound of fireworks for the past two weeks.

“It’s getting worse, you know. They’re getting louder and they’re like flying in the air,” said resident Paul Massie, who worries his dry grass will catch on fire or fireworks could land on his roof and set his house on fire.

(Screenshot/Tribune – KTLA – Los Angeles)
(Screenshot/Tribune – KTLA – Los Angeles)

The sounds have also been loud enough to leave his dog Lucky traumatized. Massie said he had to pull him out from beneath the bed to go for a walk.

“It’s freaky when you’re sitting there and a big bomb goes off. It freaks you out,” he said.

On June 29, LAPD seized a massive amount of illegal high-powered fireworks in a South LA home, with the street value estimated at more than $40,000, reported KABC.