A review of deadly accidents involving fireworks in Denmark

Hillers, Alexander Hintze; Leth, Peter Mygind

doi:10.1007/s12024-020-00299-0

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…The literature and public media ( https://www.kleinezeitung.at/lebensart/gesundheit/5344904/Aerzte-warnen_Alkohol-und-Feuerwerk_So-gefaehrlich-ist-diese-Kombi ) typically report on firework accidents in the context of alcohol consumption. On the other hand, a Danish study [ 9 ] showed that only one of eight decedents in firework-related deaths was intoxicated with alcohol. In our case, neither alcohol nor other substance misuse could be detected.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Blunt force trauma and blast injuries to head and chest caused by a potent pyrotechnic device: a case report

et al. 2023

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In times of peace and except for terrorist attacks, fatalities by explosions are rare. Fireworks have deadly potential, especially self-made or illegally acquired devices. The use of professional pyrotechnics by untrained persons poses a life-threatening hazard. We present a case of devastating blunt force and blast injuries to the head and chest of a young man. After ignition of a display shell (syn. a real shell or mortar shell) without the use of a launching pipe, the device hit the man’s face, nearly simultaneously followed by the explosion of the burst charge. The autopsy revealed injuries to the face and forehead as well as extensive tissue structure damage and a massive contusion with a bloody edema of the lungs. Autopsy results are supplemented with CT imaging and 3D reconstruction of the fractured mid face, as well as histological and toxicological examinations. This case of a misused display shell demonstrates both its devastating destructive potential and the corresponding and rarely observed injury pattern.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Blunt force trauma and blast injuries to head and chest caused by a potent pyrotechnic device: a case report

et al. 2023

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“…Of the 18 deaths, 8 of the victims had consumed alcohol or drugs prior to the incident [ 3 ]. In Northern Ireland, 15 persons were admitted to emergency rooms with firework-related injuries in 2015, and in Denmark, 4447 firework-related injuries were recorded between 1995 and 2007, of which five died [ 4 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Death on New Year’s Eve caused by illegal fireworks—a firework shell

Ulbricht

Doberentz

Madea

2023

Forensic Sci Med Pathol

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During the turn of the year, injuries caused by fireworks occur in Germany every year. According to the professional associations, the Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin, for example, treats an average of 50 injuries caused by fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Patients come with burns, soft tissue injuries, or fractures; eyes and hands are particularly frequently affected. Again and again, there are also very serious or even fatal injuries. The background is usually the improper or illegal use of larger fireworks. Smaller fireworks such as sparklers, bangers, or smaller rockets are available in Germany in most supermarkets, and their use is permitted from the age of 12 or 18. However, the use of larger fireworks in Germany requires proof of an official permit to handle pyrotechnic objects, which is why they are often acquired abroad. The following report describes such a case. Shortly after the turn of the year 2022, a young man died as a result of an explosive effect on the facial skull after using an illegal firework shell. The case is discussed with regard to the autopsy findings, the possible cause of the accident, and the type of firework used.

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