Fireworks Injuries (So Far): 9-Year-Old and 25-Year Old Lose Hands, Teen's Foot Mangled

with reporting by Marc Torrence

A 9-year-old girl lost her left hand and several fingers on her right hand after a fireworks explosion at a California park. An 18-year-old tourist's foot was mangled in an explosion in Central Park in New York City that investigators believe may have been due to homemade fireworks.

The two weekend accidents — both with alarmingly young victims — are important reminders of the dangers of fireworks, particularly for young people. A man in Michigan died Sunday after a homemade cannon exploded during a July 4th celebration.

Last year was the worst year for fireworks injuries in at least 15 years, according to a report released Thursday by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Eleven people died in 2015 using fireworks, the report said, and an estimated 11,900 people were taken to the hospital with fireworks-related injuries. Teenagers ages 15-19 had the highest rate of injuries, followed by children ages 5-9.

Detroit area hospitals received five patients within a half-hour Monday night. Each person suffered a fireworks-related injury, including a 5-year-old girl.

More injuries this July 4th holiday weekend include a New York man who lost two fingers on Thursday when fireworks ignited in his hands. In Maryland, a sparkler damaged a 19-year-old man's eyes when it malfunctioned and exploded in his face.

Two fireworks professionals were injured when fireworks went off prematurely during preparations for an Illinois show on Sunday. One of the men suffered severe burns to his arms and injuries to his hand.

More at Patch:

• 9-Year-Old Girl Loses Hand, Other Fingers in Fireworks Explosion
• Explosion in Central Park Likely 'Homemade Fireworks'
• Sparkler Blows Up, Burns User's Eyes: Report

The American Pyrotechnics Association encourages consumers to follow the following safety tips with those leftover fireworks.

• Before purchasing fireworks, check your local regulations regarding fireworks use. For instance, many communities do not allow fireworks to be used inside city limits and during burn bans, and some communities have age limits for purchasing fireworks.Purchase fireworks from an accredited company that sells legal fireworks. For more information on your state's firework control laws, visit APA's website here.
• After purchasing fireworks, always store them in a cool, dry place.
• Determine a safe location for use in an open area with a connected hose, bucket of water, or other water source nearby.
• Make sure to follow all instructions on the packaging for safe use.
• Never let children handle or operate fireworks.
• After using your fireworks, allow used fireworks to stand for at least 20 minutes, then soak the remaining tubes and materials in water, drain, place in a plastic bag and dispose outside in a covered trash can.
• Be thoughtful to those among us – such as military service men and women and even pets and other animals – that may have sensitivities to the loud noises fireworks can generate. For example, pets should be kept away from noise and fireworks displays and packages.