9-Year-Old Girl Loses Hand, Several Fingers Possibly Due To Illegal Fireworks, Deputies Say
COMPTON (CBSLA.com) — Authorities say they're investigating an explosion that caused a 9-year-old girl to sustain serious injuries in Compton.
Deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said the girl's left hand was amputated as a result of the explosion, which they say was likely caused by the use of fireworks or explosives.
The unidentified girl also lost fingers on her right hand and sustained injuries to her face as a result of the blast, which occurred Saturday afternoon at Burrell-MacDonald Park on W. Alondra Boulevard.
The girl was transported to a hospital where she was listed in stable condition.
Off-camera, her family told CBS Los Angeles she was with friends at the park, when a group of other kids were playing with fireworks.
They say the girl not realizing a firework was lit picked up it when it somehow ended up next to her.
Late Sunday, they said the girl's condition was improving, adding that doctors should have a better idea in a few days as to whether she'll require more surgery.
The circumstances of the incident remain under investigation, said detectives, who were trying to locate the individuals who were in possession of the fireworks at the park.
Anyone with additional information about this incident was asked to call Detective Everett at (323) 881-7500.