By Gina Yarbrough
Oceanside, CA—A 15-year-old boy suffered critical injuries Thursday morning after a firework detonated in his hand in downtown Oceanside, according to the Oceanside Fire Department.
Fire crews were dispatched at about 9 a.m. to the 300 block of North Horne Street, where they found the juvenile with life-threatening injuries. Authorities said the firework exploded while he was holding it.
The blast caused severe burns to the teen’s chest and face and resulted in the traumatic amputation of his right hand.
The victim was treated at the scene by emergency medical personnel before being airlifted to the UC San Diego Burn Center for specialized care, officials said.
The incident remains under investigation. No other injuries were reported.
The Oceanside Fire Department urged residents to follow all local laws and safety guidelines regarding fireworks, noting that the devices pose serious risks, particularly to minors.
