Misuse and Modification of Fireworks With Fatal Injury

Abstract

Fireworks deaths are a rare event in the United States with minor injuries comprising most adverse events. We report the case of misuse and modification of a large "mortar" firework with fatal results. In this case, the firework charge was modified with additional fuses and placed into the launcher upside down. The decedent then held the mortar base closely to his chest and lit the modified fuse. The resulting explosion caused severe blunt force trauma with significant hydrostatic shock damage to the heart and liver. This cause highlights the dangers of fireworks, particularly when misused.

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

“…Fatalities in the context of nonprofessional fireworks are rare. However, an internet and literature research revealed some comparable fatalities due to display shell accidents reported in the last years, for example in Germany, Austria ( https://www.faz.net/aktuell/gesellschaft/ungluecke/silvester-tote-und-verletzte-bei-feuerwerk-explosionen-17710689.html , https://www.wienerzeitung.at/nachrichten/chronik/oesterreich/2133014-Mann-in-Baden-durch-Kugelbombe-getoetet.html ), and the USA [ 1 ]. In Austria, four men were killed by display shells in a decade ( https://www.heute.at/s/todesfalle-kugelbombe-vier-tote-in-10-jahren-100181938 ).…”

“…This case impressively shows that improper use of such devices can cause fatal injuries. A literature review places this case in context to similar deaths in the recent past ( https://www.faz.net/aktuell/gesellschaft/ungluecke/silvester-tote-und-verletzte-bei-feuerwerk-explosionen-17710689.html , https://www.wienerzeitung.at/nachrichten/chronik/oesterreich/2133014-Mann-in-Baden-durch-Kugelbombe-getoetet.html ) [ 1 ] ( https://www.heute.at/s/todesfalle-kugelbombe-vier-tote-in-10-jahren-100181938 ). In addition, the pathomechanical basis of the injury pattern is presented and should serve as a reference for similar cases.…”

A review of deadly accidents involving fireworks in Denmark

“…Their results suggest that stricter regulation leads to not only fewer but also less severe injuries. Community outreach and educational efforts have, however, been found to have limited effects in an American study [3]. To analyse the effectiveness of current firework policies, it is crucial to continue registering injuries going forward and adjust or modify current approaches to minimize injury and death caused by not only illegal but also legal fireworks.…”

“…Between 1995Between /1996Between and 2006Between /2007, 4447 firework-related injuries were reported [1]. The most common areas of injury in several studies have consistently been found to be the hands, followed by the head/neck and, finally, the eyes [1][2][3]. Only 5 out of the 4447 registered Danish incidents resulted in the death of the injured subject.…”