A Kingston, MA, man suffered severe injuries when a destructive device exploded in his basement.
MA State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey released a statement calling this a "stark reminder to leave fireworks to the professionals."
The statement added that, based on the nature of the incident and items observed at the scene, fire investigators and bomb technicians from the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office responded to the scene, along with hazmat technicians from the Department of Fire Services’ Joint Hazard Incident Response Team.
Two destructive devices, as well as components that could be used to create additional devices, were removed from the premises.
“In the past 10 years, fireworks have caused nearly 1,000 significant fires and explosions in Massachusetts, along with dozens of injuries and about $2.5 million in damage,” said Kingston Fire Chief Mark R. Douglass . “Please, for your own safety and the safety of your family, friends, and neighbors, leave fireworks to the professionals.”
The adult male suffered severe injuries to his hands, abdomen and face.
He was transported by MedFlight to a Boston hospital and is expected to survive.