2 Children Severely Hurt Playing With Fireworks In Brentwood

BRENTWOOD, CA — Two children were severely hurt while playing with fireworks over the weekend, firefighters said.

Firefighters with the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District were called to Birch Street in Brentwood around 5:30 p.m. Sunday. One child suffered critical injuries and was airlifted by medical helicopter to a children’s hospital.

The other child suffered moderate injuries and was taken by family to a hospital.

Photos posted on Facebook by the fire district showed crews wheeling one of the children on a gurney to a rescue helicopter.

KTVU reported the child who was critically hurt was a 10-year-old boy, who was taken to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland. He suffered injuries to his face, chest and hands.

A 15-year-old girl suffered injuries to her face, the TV station reported.

They were reportedly playing in a church parking lot when the fireworks ignited by accident, KNTV reported.

Brentwood police were investigating. It wasn't immediately known if the parents will face charges.

“These are explosive devices. They’re illegal because of how dangerous they are,” Brentwood police Patrol Sgt. Mitchell Brouillette told The Press. “[Parents] need to educate their kids that they can’t be played with. Fireworks aren’t something to take lightly. You’ve got to take them seriously, because of situations like this.”