July 4, 2024 Fireworks Deaths and Injuries by State

A man died Thursday night while handling fireworks on Chicago’s northwest side. In a related incident, a pyrotechnician was airlifted to a hospital after a shell was accidentally fired during a fireworks show in Alabama, injuring him and causing the city’s show to be canceled.

The incidents are among several fireworks-related deaths reported by police and firefighters across the country during this year’s Fourth of July festivities.

Here’s a look at the major fireworks-related injuries reported so far in the United States as of Friday morning:

Fireworks-related deaths in 2024

In Illinois, a man died after handling fireworks on Chicago’s northwest side around 10 p.m. Thursday. The Chicago Police Department told USA TODAY that officers responded to the scene and found a 34-year-old man who had sustained trauma to his body while handling fireworks. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
In Alabama, Huntsville Emergency Medical Emergency Services Inc. spokesman Don Webster told USA TODAY that a man was injured shortly after midnight Friday after a fireworks accident in Madison County. Webster said the 20-year-old Harvest victim, who suffered trauma to the upper torso, was taken to Huntsville Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Pyrotechnician taken by helicopter for burns: Alabama fireworks technician hospitalized after unexpected shell explosion; city show canceled

Fireworks Injuries 2024

In Alabama, the city of Jacksonville canceled its fireworks show after a shell exploded unexpectedly and injured a technician Thursday night, sending him to the hospital by helicopter. On Friday, city officials said the technician had been released from the hospital and was expected to recover.
In Oklahoma, a 10-year-old boy from the Oklahoma City area was taken to a hospital to be treated for burns caused by a firework explosion, KFOR-TV reported. A man told the station that his grandson bought four fireworks and two of them malfunctioned, one of which injured the boy.
In Utah, several people were injured during an annual fireworks display at Brigham Young University’s LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, KUTV-TV reported. The event featured a performance by the Jonas Brothers. Provo Police Department spokeswoman Janna-Lee Holland told the station that the fireworks misfired and hit the crowd, injuring members of the audience. The number of injured and the extent of the injuries were not immediately released by authorities.

Last year’s injury report:

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, last year 9,700 people were treated in emergency rooms in the United States and eight people died from fireworks-related deaths.

Here’s a look at last year’s injuries:

19% suffered eye injuries;
22% suffered injuries to the face, head and ears;
35% suffered hand injuries;
11% suffered lower limb injuries.

Fireworks Safety Tips:

To use fireworks safely, the National Safety Council recommends viewing them at professionally organized public displays and not using them at home.

If you must light fireworks at home, the council recommends these tips:

Do not use illegal fireworks;
Never allow young children to handle fireworks;
Never use fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
Wear protective glasses;
Never hold lit fireworks in your hands;
Never light fireworks indoors;
Use them only away from people, homes and flammable materials;
Never point or throw fireworks at another person;
Only turn on one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after turning on;
Never light appliances in a container;
Never relight or handle a defective firework.
Soak spent, unused fireworks in water for a few hours before disposing of them;
Keep water nearby to extinguish fireworks in case of fire;
Instead of sparklers, consider using safer alternatives, such as glow sticks, confetti or colorful streamers.

This is a developing story.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Contact her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.