FIREWORK HORROR
SURGEONS are hoping to save what's left of a 10 year-old boy's hand after a weekend incident in which a firework he was holding exploded, also injuring his chest.
The Dromore boy's family have been left devastated by the horrific accident, which comes amid reports that adults are peddling illegal home-made fireworks to youngsters in the district.
It is understood the local boy lost four fingers on his right hand and underwent five hours of surgery in an effort to save his thumb.
Ulster Unionist Councillor Carol Black, a friend of the boy's family, said the youngster had further surgery yesterday (Monday) to remove a skin graft from his leg to treat his chest wound. "I visited the family on Saturday night," said Councillor Black.
"They are going through absolute devastation at the moment. The pain and hurt they are experiencing is second to none."
Ms. Black said the boy faced months of hospital treatment and would have to adapt to his injuries when it came to so many activities other youngsters took for granted. His life had changed, she said, quite literally "in a flash".
There are conflicting reports as to the nature of the fireworks involved in Saturday's accident, but Councillor Black took the opportunity to condemn those individuals reportedly selling illegal, home-made fireworks to local youngsters.
"Apparently you can learn how to make these things on the internet," she said. "From what I'm being told this is effectively a grenade and that's how it would work.
"It beggars belief that there are mature adults selling these things to children on the streets of Dromore.
"Children don't see the danger; they don't understand it. They're just happy-go-lucky kids excited about Hallowe'en.
"What immaturity and lack of responsibility any grown adult must have to sell any type of firework to any child?"
Mrs. Black asked how many such fireworks might already be in the hands of local children who were saving them for Hallowe'en itself.
"How many more accidents are out there waiting to happen?" she said.
POLICE WARN LAWBREAKERS AND URGE PUBLIC TO STAY SAFE
AFTER a Dromore boy was badly injured by an exploding firework on Saturday, police have urged the public to stay safe over Hallowe'en and warned that anyone caught breaking the law will be dealt with robustly.
"Our message this Halloween is simple," a spokesperson said; "enjoy the festivities, but be sensible, be safe and don't break the law."
Police issued the following advice in relation to the purchase or use of fireworks:
Remember all fireworks require a licence with the exception of indoor fireworks and sparklers; it is illegal to possess, purchase, sell, handle or use any of these fireworks except under licence; only adults should light or handle fireworks; stand well back when watching fireworks; never ever go back to a firework once it has been lit even if it does not go off; it is an offence to throw fireworks in the street or other public places.
Also - always supervise children around fireworks; never give sparklers to children under the age of five; light sparklers one at a time and always wear gloves; have a bucket of water close by and put sparklers in it when they go out; fireworks should only be purchased from reputable licensed dealers and not from market stalls or door-to-door sales; the fine for breaking the law in relation to fireworks is up to 5,000.
Police recommend that fireworks should be purchased ONLY from reputable licensed dealers, not from market stalls or individuals selling door-to-door.
If you have information about illegal fireworks sales please contact police urgently. These fireworks may not be British Standard approved and could be extremely dangerous.
Said the spokesperson, "Halloween is becoming one of the busiest times of the year for police, and in previous years reports of criminal damage and youths causing annoyance have increased across Northern Ireland.
"This year police in Banbridge are making it clear that anyone caught breaking the law will be dealt with robustly.
"High visibility patrols will be operating in identified hotspots and anyone found to be involved in the misuse of fireworks or committing an offence will have to face the consequences and could face prosecution."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Dromore
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South east
