A 24-year-old man suffered “severe hand injury” and burns on his body after he ignited an illegal firework Wednesday night, according to a press release from the Gilroy Police Department.
The Gilroy Fire Department and GPD personnel responded to the 8100 block of Carmel Street at 9 p.m. and ultimately determined the man needed immediate medical treatment. The man—whose name is being withheld at this time—was taken via helicopter to a local hospital and he is expected to survive, the release stated.
The injuries took place after the man lit a mortar-type firework—illegal in Gilroy—that exploded while it was still in his right hand, police said. He had burns on other parts of his body, including his face.
The City of Gilroy allows the use of state-approved “Safe and Sane” fireworks in designated areas through July 1 through 4. Any other types of fireworks are illegal and dangerous, the release stated.
Anyone who possesses, stores, sells or uses fireworks not approved by the state is in violation of the law and can be arrested, police said. Those in possession of illegal fireworks can be fined up to $1,000.
