News Summary
A 15-year-old boy was severely injured in a fireworks explosion in Newberry, South Carolina. The explosion, caused by teenagers mishandling fireworks, led to a fire and continued explosions. The injured teen was airlifted for specialized treatment. Authorities are investigating the incident and have issued a community safety warning regarding fireworks.
Newberry, South Carolina – Teenager Severely Injured in Fireworks Explosion
A 15-year-old boy was severely injured following a fireworks explosion in Newberry, South Carolina, on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Epting Street, as firefighters and police responded to emergency calls regarding an explosion and subsequent fire.
Upon arriving at the scene, first responders discovered a shed located behind a residence engulfed in flames. The situation was further exacerbated by small explosions that continued to erupt when emergency personnel arrived. In total, three individuals were transported to local hospitals following the incident, with the severely injured teenager being later airlifted to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston for specialized treatment. The two other teenagers involved sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated for their wounds.
Authorities believe the explosion was the result of several teenagers combining fireworks, leading to the dangerous situation. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has launched an investigation to determine the specifics of what transpired. SLED’s arson unit and bomb squad are actively involved in the case to assess what measures should be taken moving forward.
The Newberry Fire Chief, Gene Shealy, noted that fire crews had to extinguish the fire from a safe distance due to the ongoing dangers posed by the residual explosions. Multiple agencies responded to the incident, including Newberry County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the City of Newberry utilities department, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, Newberry County Rescue Squad, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), and the South Carolina State Fire Marshal’s Office. Their rapid response was crucial in preventing further injuries and damage.
In light of the incident, SLED has issued a warning to the community to exercise caution when handling fireworks. The investigation, which is being supported by the Newberry Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, continues as officials gather more information surrounding the events leading up to the explosion.
Background on Fireworks Safety
This incident underscores the potential dangers associated with fireworks, particularly when mishandled or combined in unsafe ways. Fireworks can cause severe injuries not only to those who misuse them but also to bystanders. Regulatory bodies often recommend that fireworks be used responsibly and preferably under the supervision of professionals during public displays.
In the wake of this tragic event in Newberry, safety advocates are emphasizing the importance of proper protocols and education regarding fireworks. The goal is to ensure that similar incidents can be prevented in the future, keeping both young people and the community as a whole safe during celebrations.
As the investigation progresses, more information is expected to be released by law enforcement and fire officials regarding safety guidelines and the implications of the incident for the community of Newberry.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Teen Hurt in Newberry Fireworks Explosion
- Wikipedia: Fireworks Safety
- ABC News 4: Firework Incident in Newberry
- Google Search: Fireworks Safety Guidelines
- WLTX: Newberry Fireworks Incident
- Google Scholar: Fireworks Injuries
- ABC Columbia: Three Injured in Fireworks Related Fire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fireworks
- WIS TV Video: New Details on Fireworks Explosion
- Google News: Newberry Fireworks Explosion
