Tulsa Child loses hand in firework accident

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Around 10:20pm, Tulsa Police responded to a call initially reported as a possible shooting Wednesday night. Prior to arriving at the scene, police received an updated call informing an individual had their hand blown off while lighting fireworks. While on the scene, paramedics and Tulsa Fire treated two children, ages 11 and 12, for injuries. The 11-year-old suffered lacerations on his entire upper body. The 12-year-old had significant trauma to his eyes, and his hand had been severely destroyed. The two victims were rushed to a local hospital; the 12-year-old eventually was flown to Oklahoma City for treatment. Both of the victims are expected to survive. According to other children who witnessed the accident, the 12-year-old was holding a small grenade-like firework, while the 11-year-old was attempting to light it. After the first spark, the firework exploded in the 12-year-old's hand. Once police arrived on scene, the 11-year-old also had another similar explosive in his pocket. There is still an ongoing investigation as to what lead up to the accident, but police say it appears to simply just be an accident. The grenade-like firework is common going into the 4th of July weekend. Police urge parents that due to the explosive's short fuse, these types of accidents aren't uncommon. The public is urged to use the utmost caution while lighting fireworks to prevent serious injuries.