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A fireworks accident in Drumore Township, Lancaster County, left a 45-year-old woman and a three-year-old boy with severe injuries last Thursday (June 12). According to Pennsylvania State Police, the incident occurred during a family gathering on River Road when a firework malfunctioned, injuring Melissa Rickards and her nephew, Carter Powl.
The accident happened as a group of individuals lit fireworks at a birthday celebration. Andrew Powl, Carter's father, explained that the firework, a "cake box" with multiple tubes, malfunctioned and sprayed pellets at Rickards and Carter. The firework was set off more than 100 feet away from the gathering, and all safety instructions were followed. Despite this, the firework caused significant burns to Rickards' fingers and Carter's thigh and arm. Both were transported to a local hospital for treatment and have since been released. Rickards is expected to regain full use of her hand, and Carter is healing well, with no expected scarring.
The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the incident, which has been described as "endangering the welfare of a child." No charges have been filed yet, and the investigation is ongoing. Andrew Powl has provided the remaining fireworks and the purchase receipt to the authorities for further examination.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported eight deaths and 9,700 injuries related to fireworks in 2023, with a significant number occurring around the Fourth of July. For more information on fireworks safety, residents can visit the state police's fireworks safety webpage.