Fuquay-Varina man warns against fireworks danger after accident
FUQUAY-VARINA, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Fuquay-Varina man has a warning for anyone thinking about setting off their own fireworks this holiday weekend.
Mike Osborne was celebrating July 4 with friends last year when their store-bought fireworks spiraled out of control.
Osbourne's right eye was pierced after a box full of the explosives tipped over and fired off directly at him.
"I knew it got burnt, but I couldn't feel it," he said. "It just burnt the cornea so bad that it just somehow melted."
Osbourne underwent several surgeries. Months later, he still can't see clearly.
"It was kind of that feeling like, is this even real? Is this really happening? Nobody ever thinks it's going to happen," he said.
Dr. Earnest Grant, a fire safety expert at UNC's Jaycee Burn Center, says it's an injury he sees all too often.
"In the last two years we have admitted about 42 patients, and that doesn't include the ones that we also see in clinic," said Grant.
From 2011-2012, more than 300 people in North Carolina went to emergency rooms for injuries from fireworks, many of them caused by sparklers, bottle rockets and roman candles.
The most severe traumas resulted in amputated fingers and hands.
"There's a lot to think about in that little split second when that firework goes off. I'm firmly convinced that the only safe and sane fireworks to use are used by professionals," said Grant.
This July 4, Osburne says he'll be watching fireworks on his television.
"It's just one of those things where it's kind of risky," he said.
Fireworks Saftey Tips
- Keep a hose or bucket of water nearby
- Set off fireworks in open areas
- Never point fireworks at anything flammable
- Avoid using fireworks on windy days
- Keep children and pets away from fireworks
- Notify any veterans nearby to avoid PTSD triggers
