Horror as Washington teen has hand 'completely blown off' by firework trying to save two children

A tragic Fourth of July accident has left Ryli Baumgartner, 19, without his right hand after a firework mishap . The young man from Washington was trying to shield two children from danger when the incident occurred.

Baumgartner recounted to KTVB7: "I was one of those horror stories that I was always told about, 'Stay away from the fireworks, you'll blow your hand off.' Quite literally that exactly happened."

He detailed how during a family friend's Independence Day celebration, amidst the revelry and fireworks, some attendees were drunk, leading to reckless behavior. A sparkler bomb was thrown close by, prompting two kids to run towards it.

• Fourth of July chaos as hundreds of flights delayed, canceled amid record-breaking travel season
• Enjoy free Krispy Kreme treats on certain days this month

Baumgartner reacted swiftly, attempting to dispose of the firework, but it detonated in his grasp.

"I went to throw it and as soon as I got there, boom, and I looked down and there was nothing," he told the news outlet.

Following the explosion, Baumgartner was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for urgent care, where doctors had no choice but to amputate his hand. He also sustained extensive burns across his body.

Unfortunately, Baumgartner's case is not unique, as fireworks-related injuries are common around the Fourth of July, often resulting in harm to hands, limbs, and faces, and in severe cases, fatalities.

The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that in 2023, approximately 9,700 individuals were injured by fireworks, with eight fatalities recorded, five of which resulted from improper handling of the devices.

The incident has altered Baumgartner's life irrevocably. He faces a two-month work hiatus and the possibility of never returning to his lifeguard position.

Baumgartner shared: "I called my job, and I'm a lifeguard. I can't do CPR without a hand. I can't swim good with one hand."

He expressed his discomfort at being cared for: "I'm at home and everyone is taking care of me and I don't like that. I want be able to take care of myself. I want to be able to stand up and not hurt. I want to be able to tie my pants and tie my shoes."

Despite his challenges, Baumgartner remains optimistic, knowing the children involved are safe. However, he has a stern warning about fireworks use: "When it comes down it, it's not safe and it's that split second that's going to change someone's life," he cautioned.

To support his recovery, Baumgartner's family has initiated an online fundraising campaign.