WAKEFIELD, MASS. (WHDH) - Authorities in Wakefield say a woman lost “several” fingers Tuesday night in an attempt to set off “powerful” fireworks on the town’s common.
Police Chief Rick Smith says officers responded around 10:15 p.m. to a playground at the Lower Common for a report of fireworks-related injury.
Officers found a woman, in her 50s, who had completely blown off her thumb, two fingers on her right hand and parts of six other fingers while trying to ignite M-100 fireworks. They say she was covered in blood.
The woman was rushed to Mass General Hospital, where she will need to undergo reconstructive surgery. Her name was not released.
“This is the second straight year that someone has been seriously hurt while using fireworks illegally,” Chief Smith said. “The town goes to great lengths to put on an organized fireworks display, so there is absolutely no excuse for putting yourself and others in harm’s way by setting fireworks off on your own.”
No other injuries were reported, despite a large gathering of people that were nearby.
Smith said charged could be filed due to the fact fireworks are outlawed in Massachusetts.
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