Did you know? These were the most common fireworks-related injuries in 2023

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — Fireworks, sparklers, and ambulance rides — oh, no.

In its latest report on the injuries — and deaths — caused by fireworks in 2023, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission revealed that an estimated 9,700 people were treated in the emergency room for injuries caused by fireworks. Eight people died because of fireworks, the CPSC said.

“Out of the eight deaths, five were associated with firework misuse, two with a device malfunction, and one involves unknown circumstances,” the CPSC said.

The CPSC said about 42% of the people who received injuries related to fireworks were treated for burns in the emergency department.

The most commonly injured body parts were hands and fingers, making up about 35% of injuries from fireworks. The head, face, and ears made up about 22% of the injuries, according to the CPSC. Nineteen percent of injuries involved eyes, and eight percent involved legs, the CPSC said.

“The report shows that between 2008 and 2023, injuries from fireworks have increased overall, despite recent data showing a steady decline since the peak in 2020 during the pandemic when public displays were canceled,” the CPSC said.

The highest estimated rate of fireworks-related injuries that were treated in the ER was among teenagers aged 15 to 19. The second-highest rate was among children aged five to nine years old, the CPSC said.

800 injuries that were treated in the emergency room were associated with firecrackers, and 700 injuries were associated with sparklers, according to the CPSC. The CPSC said 66% of injuries related to fireworks in 2023 occurred “in the weeks before and after” Independence Day.

For the full report, click here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.