FL Man Loses Several Fingers After Firework Explodes In Hands: Report

ORLANDO, FL — A Florida man remains in the hospital following a recent firework accident that took several of his fingers.

According to WESH-TV, while hanging out with a friend, Gene Pope Jr. of Orlando lit a large firework on June 28. As he got ready to throw it, however, it exploded in both of his hands.

"I ended up with a pinky finger on each hand, a ring finger on each hand, and half a middle finger on one hand and a quarter of a thumb on the other hand," Pope Jr. told the TV station from his hospital room at Orlando Regional Medical Center.

He said it's not clear if his remaining fingers will be healthy enough to make it, but he wants to warn others to never make the mistake he made — and that is to never hold live fireworks in your hands.

"That's what I want to stress to people who love fireworks," he said.

Had this accident happened to a child, Pope Jr. said they likely would not have survived.

A new report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) finds a significant upward trend in fireworks-related injuries. Between 2006 and 2021, injuries with fireworks climbed 25 percent in the U.S.

Last year, at least nine people died, and an estimated 11,500 were injured in incidents involving fireworks, CPSC reported.

The report also found that the parts of the body most often injured by fireworks last year were hands and fingers (an estimated 31 percent of injuries) along with the head, face, and ears (an estimated 21 percent).

“It’s imperative that consumers know the risks involved in using fireworks, so injuries and tragedies can be prevented. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch the professional displays,” CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric said in a news release.

When handling fireworks, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers these tips:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishaps.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move quickly away from the fireworks device.
• Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
• After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

CPSC Fireworks safety video: