Man Hit In Face By Firework, Seriously Injured In Crystal Lake: Reports

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — A man was struck in the face by a firework Saturday night in Crystal Lake, according to reports.

Police responded to the incident just after 9:15 p.m. in the 1300 block of Beach street to find that a large firework mortar had hit the man in the face and exploded. A medical helicopter was called to the scene, but was not available due to inclement weather, the report said.

Paramedics also had a hard time getting to the man due to a large crowd gathered on a small one-way street. The man was taken by ambulance to Northwestern Medicine Hospital in McHenry for further treatment.

The Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal keeps track of fireworks-related injuries during the 4th of July period each year.

In 2024 in Illinois, more than 90 people suffered a total of 156 fireworks-related injuries over the 4th of July weekend, with mortars accounting for the largest number of injuries. One person was also killed in Chicago after a firework he was handling exploded.

In 2023, a Cary-area man was critically injured when a firework exploded in his face over the 4th of July week.

In 2021, a man in his 30s was killed while lighting fireworks near Rockford, and a suburban man in his 20s lost an eye and suffered "severe traumatic injuries to his face" while shooting off fireworks.

"Each year fireworks are responsible for thousands of preventable injuries across the country, many involving the head, face, hands, or eyes," said Alex Vucha, public information officer for the Nunda Rural Fire Protection District, in a statement. "The consequences can be severe and long lasting. The Nunda Rural Fire Protection District encourages everyone to consider the risks and prioritize safety during holiday celebrations."