LI man blows off hand, severs fingers while using fireworks

BRENTWOOD, N.Y. (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — A firework explosion left a Long Island man hospitalized with serious injuries to his hands on Saturday night, Suffolk County Police said.

Barry Nelson, 66, was in the backyard of his Brentwood residence, located at 71 Eastern Ave., when it happened at about 9 p.m.

Police said that Nelson was using fireworks when one exploded, severing his left hand and three fingers from his right hand.

He was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital in serious condition, authorities said.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced on Sunday that he will join law enforcement officials and first responders at the Suffolk County Fire Academy on Monday morning "to demonstrate the dangers of illegal fireworks and provide safety tips for residents ahead of the Fourth of July."

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office released firework safety tips on Friday ahead of the July 4 holiday, noting that thousands of people are injured annually while using the explosives.

The most recent data, from 2022, shows that there were 173 firework-related injury visits reported by emergency departments across New York State, and that 125 of those visits occurred between June 18 and July 18.

While it was not immediately clear what type of firework device Nelson was using, fireworks and firecrackers are illegal across New York State. Only sparkling devices—defined as ground-based or handheld devices that produce a shower of sparks, flames, smoke and audible crackling and whistling—are legal in some parts of the state.

Sparkling devices remain illegal in both Suffolk and Nassau counties, according to the governor’s office.

“While fireworks and firecrackers may be part of the holiday tradition, these dangerous fire devices are illegal statewide and should not be used under any circumstances,” Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said. “If sparkling devices are legal in your area, make sure to always follow the instructions on the packaging and never allow children to play with or ignite the devices.”

Suffolk County detectives are asking anyone with information about the incident in Brentwood to contact the Third Squad at 631-854-8352.