LEESBURG, Fla. – Officials said a man was airlifted to Ocala Regional Medical Center Thursday after he lost most of his hand in a fireworks explosion.
A witness told officials Brett Demascio was lighting ballistic mortors fireworks at a home in the 2500 block of Virginia Drive in Leesburg.
The witness said a firework was attached to a wooden stake, and when Demascio lit it, it was a dud.
The witness said Demascio picked up the explosive aluminum covered ball and tried to light the small candle wick-type fuse.
He was planning to throw the ball into the driveway, but before he could, the firework exploded in his hand.
The witness said Demascio lost most of his hand in the explosion.
Demascio was taken to the area of Highway 468 and Urick Avenue in an ambulance and loaded onto a Life Flight helicopter.
Officials said his left hand and arm were bandaged, and there was a tourniquet on his arm.