Deaths and injuries from fireworks on July 4, 2024 by state
Time for fireworks? With these consumer tips you can celebrate safely
Fireworks can be a great way to celebrate all year round, but they can also be dangerous if not used properly.
A man died while handling fireworks on Chicago’s northwest side Thursday night, and in Alabama, a pyrotechnician was airlifted to a hospital after a grenade accidentally exploded during a fireworks show. He was injured and the show in the city had to be canceled.
These incidents are among numerous reports nationwide of fireworks-related injuries and deaths during this year’s Fourth of July Independence Day celebrations.
Here is a summary of serious pyrotechnics-related injuries reported across the country through Friday morning:
Deaths caused by fireworks
- In Illinois, a man died while handling fireworks on Chicago’s Northwest Side around 10 p.m. Thursday. Chicago police told USA TODAY that officers arrived at the scene and found a 34-year-old man with injuries to his body. He was pronounced dead.
- In Alabama, Don Webster, spokesman for Huntsville Emergency Medical Emergency Services Inc., told USA TODAY that a man was injured in a fireworks accident in Madison County just after midnight Friday. Webster said the 20-year-old Harvest man, who suffered trauma to his upper body, was taken to Huntsville Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Pyrotechnicians flown in by helicopter because of burns: Alabama fireworks technician in hospital after unexpected grenade explosion; show in city canceled
Injuries caused by fireworks 2024
- In Alabama, the city of Jacksonville canceled its fireworks display after a grenade unexpectedly detonated on Thursday night, injuring a technician who had to be taken to the hospital by helicopter. On Friday, city officials said the technician had been released and was expected to recover.
- In Oklahoma, a 10-year-old boy from the Oklahoma City area was taken to a hospital to be treated for burns from a firework explosion, KFOR-TV reported. A man told the program that his grandson had bought four fireworks, two of which malfunctioned, and one of them injured the boy.
- In Utah, several people were injured during an annual fireworks festival at Brigham Young University’s LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, KUTV-TV reported. The Jonas Brothers also performed at the event. Provo police spokeswoman Janna-Lee Holland told the newspaper that the fireworks misfired and shot into the crowd. The number of injured and the extent of the injuries were not immediately known.
Injury report from last year
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 9,700 people were treated in emergency rooms across the country last year and eight people died in fireworks-related accidents.
Here is a breakdown of last year’s injuries:
- 19% suffered eye injuries.
- 22% suffered injuries to the face, head and ears.
- 35% suffered hand injuries.
- 11% suffered injuries to the lower extremities.
Fireworks safety tips
To ensure safe use of fireworks, the National Safety Council recommends that they should only be viewed at public displays under professional supervision and not used at home.
If you absolutely must set off fireworks at home, the council recommends the following tips:
- Do not use illegal fireworks.
- Never allow children to handle fireworks.
- Never light fireworks if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Wear eye protection.
- Never hold burning fireworks in your hands.
- Never light fireworks indoors.
- Only use fireworks away from people, houses and flammable materials.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Only light one device at a time and keep a safe distance.
- Never light devices in a container.
- Never relight or handle a malfunctioning firework.
- Soak spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before throwing them away.
- Have water ready to extinguish fireworks in case a fire breaks out.
- Instead of sparklers, use safer alternatives such as glow sticks, confetti poppers and colorful streamers.
This is an evolving story.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X at @nataliealund.
Taylor Swift performs “thanK you aIMee” and puts people who “talk shit” in the shade
Artyom Levshunov’s long and winding journey from the Michigan State Spartans should end tonight with a high-level NHL draft pick | News, Sports, Jobs
62 Democrats join forces with 207 Republicans to cover up Gaza death toll
About The Author
