Man Loses Part Of Leg In Fireworks Explosion
HAZEL PARK (WWJ/AP) - Police in Hazel Park say a paraplegic man's leg was blown off as he sat in a wheelchair setting off explosives on the Fourth of July.
According to reports, the 21-year-old was one of many people setting off fireworks and other explosives around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday on East Hayes Avenue in Hazel Park.
Police say they believe the man was lighting fireworks on his lap before setting them on the ground.
The explosion severed the man's left leg just below the knee and blew it about 50 feet across the street where it hit a neighbor's house, police said.
The man was taken to a hospital, where he last was listed in stable condition.
Police were investigating whether the man was using legal fireworks. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor.
Changes in state law recently made some more powerful fireworks legal in Michigan.
Authorities are urging caution when using fireworks to avoid injuries. For safety tips, visit www.fireworksafety.com.
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