TAMPA, Fla. -- Since learning what kind of firework a 16-year-old Tampa boy was using when it exploded in his hand, resulting in his death, we looked into what went wrong.
It called a "mortar” round firework. Some are pre-loaded with shells, others are reloadable. It's something just about anyone can get their hands on.
Pyrotechnician Steve Zigmont says these types of fireworks are very popular because they're cheap.
He showed us what the inside of these tubes looks like and why holding them is dangerous.
Zigmont explains that "mortar" fireworks need to be on a flat surface because once they’re lit, the black powder inside expands.
When it's on the ground, the powder blows upward. If you’re holding it in your hand, however, the powder will shoot the firework down, injuring the person using it.
Zigmont believes that's what happened to 16-year-old Joseph King: the black powder burst onto the teen's chest and left hand.
“What happened was, this is supposed to be on the ground. So, when the gas is pushed down it goes up so it probably just blew out and hit him and exploded,” says Zigmont.
So, what can you do to protect your kids and yourself when using this firework?
- Experts say stabilizing your firework with bricks is the best way to stay safe and prevent it from falling and shooting toward a crowd of people
- When using reloadable mortar kits, you want to make sure you leave the shells in the package
- Never mix different shells with different tubes
- Make sure to shake out any loose debris between shots
- Never use the same shell twice if it failed to light the first time
- Never light the shell outside of the tube: always make sure it’s inside
- Never place your face, hands or any body part over the mortar
- Wait at least two minutes before reloading
►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the 10 News app now.
Have a news tip? Email tips@wtsp.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.
