On Sunday, June 28th, 2015, a 47-year-old man died when a large mortar firework shell he was holding next to his face exploded. A mortar shell firework is usually around the same size of a softball. In most cases, they're put together and inserted into a tube from which they're launched. Many mortar fireworks were banned in Michigan until 2012, when the restrictions were loosened due to public pressure to allow larger and more dangerous fireworks.
The incident occurred at a residential home on Quinif Drive in Walled Lake, Michigan at around 9:14 am. According to CBS Detroit, Walled Lake Police Chief Paul Shakinas said that, when the first responders arrived the man was unconscious and unresponsive, not berating, and suffering from a severe trauma on the back of his head. Alcohol was a factor in this accident, and the man may have not noticed the firework was lit. Shakinas said that there were other people around at the time, but the man's children did not witness the incident. Michigan law only allows fireworks to be set off the day before, the day after, and the day of the fourth of July. However, no one was cited in this case.
“Hands down, the worst I've ever seen. I've seen (fireworks) accidents, but never causing a fatality. He was pronounced dead at the scene.” - Walled Lake Police Chief Paul Shakinas.
Alcohol can cause all types of personal injury accidents including firework accidents, motor vehicle accidents, and many more. According to the CDC, in 2013, 10,076 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in the United States. This means that on average, every day, almost 30 people in the U.S. die in these types of crashes.
Alcohol can lead to many accidents and personal injuries, as well as fatalities. If you have been injured in an accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident lawyers will be able to help you with questions about insurance problems, medical expenses, and pain and suffering benefits as allowed by Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.