60-year-old man blows off thumb when firework explodes, Washington cops say

A 60-year-old man blew off part of his thumb igniting a mortar-style firework at a pre-Fourth of July display, Washington sheriff’s officials reported.

The accident happened at a fireworks display near Port Orchard on Saturday, June 29, the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office said in a July 2 news release.

The man bent down to light a mortar-style firework, some of which are legal in Washington, and didn’t move his hand away in time, deputies said.

“An explosion severely damaged a significant portion of his thumb,” deputies said in the release.

The sheriff’s office reminded Independence Day revelers to only use legal fireworks, keep a safe distance from the explosives, have water ready and be extra careful around children.

Port Orchard is 17 miles southwest of Seattle across Puget Sound, or about a 60-mile drive.

This story was originally published July 4, 2024 at 8:02 AM with the headline "60-year-old man blows off thumb when firework explodes, Washington cops say."