The 4th of July is a favorite holiday for many in western Pennsylvania. Throughout the nation people gather with friends and family to eat, drink and in general just have a good time. For many, what is usually a fun day is brought to a close by a watching a fireworks display. For several people enjoying a display in a community outside of Pittsburgh, the event ended badly. At least three people were reportedly injured when a shell exploded near them. The injured individuals were all children.
The display took place at a school athletic field and was staged by a New Castle business, Pyrotecnico. The business indicated that it planned on commencing an investigation into the incident to determine what happened. The individuals who coordinated the show had to secure insurance for the event.
While the injuries suffered by two of the children are known, a 14-year-old girl suffered second-degree burns. She was taken to a hospital where the burns, which were on her legs, were treated. After spending part of the day in the hospital, she was eventually released.
Burns can be a painful injury that can take a long period of time to recover from. In addition, they sometimes leave scars behind which act as lifelong reminders of the injury.
At this point it is not clear if any legal action will be taken regarding the matter. It is possible that the families of the kids who were injured in the incident could file civil personal injury lawsuits against those responsible for the accident.
Source: Trib Live, “Armstrong girl, 14, released from hospital following fireworks accident,” Brian C. Rittmeyer, July 5, 2013