Horrific injuries caused by an old explosive device last week underscore the hazards of pyrotechnics as Maine approaches its first July 4th in decades in which fireworks will be legal.
Seth Reilly, 23, of Waldoboro, thought he was lighting an old novelty candle, the kind that can’t be blown out.
“It didn’t look at all like fireworks,” Reilly said. “It had a fuse where a wick would be and appeared to be filled with wax.” According to Reilly, the device was found in a drawer full of old candles and had no markings. “It looked unusual enough for me to decide to light it outside just in case,” Reilly said.
Almost immediately, Reilly knew something was wrong and the device exploded just as he threw it away. According to Waldoboro police, the device was most likely a very old M80-type device. The explosion obliterated the top of Reilly’s left thumb, index and middle fingers. “If I hadn’t have been throwing it away when it exploded, I would probably be blind right now,” Reilly said.
“As terrible as his injury is, it could have been much worse,” said Lincoln Medical Partners Orthopaedic Surgeon Rifat Zaidi, M.D. Zaidi, who initially treated Reilly’s injuries at Miles Memorial Hospital, believes fireworks are very serious business and should be left to trained professionals. “I think people are so familiar with fireworks displays, they don’t appreciate how potentially dangerous they are up close,” he said.
While M80-type fireworks have been illegal in the U.S. since the 1960s, the pyrotechnic fireworks displays that are now legal in many parts of Maine can be dangerous and even life-threatening if used carelessly.
“Always place fireworks on the ground and step away immediately after lighting them,” said Damariscotta Fire Chief Neil Genthner. “If you’re not certain what it is, get a professional opinion from a police officer or firefighter before lighting the fuse,” he said.
As Reilly approaches plastic surgery and rehabilitation, he has strong words of advice for anyone interested in using fireworks. “My 9-year-old brother was standing nearby when it exploded. Because the device was unmarked and just sitting around, it could have been a complete catastrophe if he had decided to light it himself. Keep all fireworks away from children, and know what you have before lighting the fuse,” he said.
(Submitted article)
