Fireworks mishap leaves Flagler boys with 'life-altering' injuries

Children found fireworks at Bunnell park, deputies say

BUNNELL, Fla. – Two Flagler County boys suffered "life-altering" injuries Sunday from a fireworks accident, sheriff's officials said.

Deputies said the boys, ages 8 and 11, were injured at Dr. Carver Park in Bunnell. 

The boys told investigators they found the fireworks on the ground. The fireworks exploded shortly after being ignited, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office said.

A woman who was near the park said she heard a commotion and noticed the boys running.

"I heard the firecracker and I looked and saw the kids running and yelling, 'Mama, mama, mama,'" the woman told a 911 dispatcher. "I saw his hand was hanging off, so I made him get in my car."

The woman drove the boys to the hospital.

"I've got two (boys) in the car with me ... I need the police or somebody," the woman said.

"He was playing with a firecracker and blew his hand off?" the dispatcher asked.

"Yes, ma'am," the woman said.

"What's wrong with the other (boy)?" the dispatcher asked.

"His face is messed up," the caller said.

No other details about the boys' injuries have been released.

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly urged residents to use caution around fireworks.  

He asked the public to call the Sheriff's Office if they come across fireworks in a public place. 

In addition to the accident, Staly said illegal fireworks have caused brush and marsh fires in recent days. 

Watch News 6 and stay with ClickOrlando.com for more on this story.


About the Author:

Cathleigh is a newscast producer and has been with News 6 since 2014. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in communications, with a focus in broadcast journalism. Cathleigh produces the 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. newscasts.

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