A Folsom teen suffered serious injuries on July Fourth while igniting illegal fireworks near Orangevale while celebrating holiday with others in a parking lot.
According to limited details released by authorities due to the age of the victim and restrictions surrounding medical information privacy laws, the reportedly happened at 9500 Greenback Lane in Folsom, which is near Orangevale.
The location is a large parking lot home to Big Lots. Carl’s Jr. and other retailers and became a large gathering site for locals setting off fireworks. In previous years, the annual impromptu gathering took place in the roadway just down the street, however, moved this year after a female was struck and injured in a hit and run accident
According to reports, the injury occurred at approximately 10:45 p.m. July 4 while the subject was reportedly holding what was likely an illegal firework, described as a mortar, as it was being lit, which exploded and caused severe injury to the victim’s hand that is described as being “catastrophic.”
As first responders tended to the victim on the scene, fireworks continued to be launched by members of the large group that had gathered in the parking lot. The victim was transported to an area trauma center for treatment.
Firefighters really take it to heart when they know that a traumatic event like that wasn’t planned and that traumatic event could have lasting impacts on someone’s life,” said Battalion Chief Matt McGee of the Folsom Fire Department.
No further details have been officially released by law enforcement and the incident remains under investigation. Authorities are also investigating a 1.6 acre grassy fire that broke out nearby that may have been caused by fireworks.
