18-year-old loses 2 fingers to firework

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The family of a young man seriously injured by a firework said they don't oppose legislation allowing consumer-grade fireworks.

"We always see them go in the air and we watch them. But to be up close and personal with one is a whole different effect," Anthony Lackey, Sr. said.

Most people have heard the warnings and seen the demonstrations about the dangers fireworks can pose. Anthony Lackey's son now knows better than most after a too-close run in with a high-powered firework.

The 18-year-old from Grand Rapids lost two of his fingers and ruptured his eardrum when a firework blew up in his hand.

"Just from something so innocent we use every year around this time, just took his fingers off," said Lackey, Sr.

Anthony Lackey, Jr. was using fireworks two weekends ago when one of them failed to go off after part of its wick had already burned. He tried to light it again. The wick burned too fast and the firework exploded before he let go.

"His hand was just open," said Lackey, Sr. "He lost his two fingers. They took it all the way to the bone, all the way to the middle of his hand."

-- Fireworks safety tips from authorities --

The Lackeys don't oppose the new law that opened up the market for the consumer-grade fireworks, despite the fact that one of them has disfigured his hand permanently.

"It's an injury that shouldn't have happened," Lackey, Sr. said.

Lackey, Jr. is doing better, but challenging times are ahead. Because of all the bandages, he has yet to see his hand -- a permanent reminder of how dangerous the fireworks can be.

Lackey, Sr. had a warning based in experience for those looking to use the fireworks this holiday.

"Just be careful and watch what you doing," he said. "'Cause accidents are out there."

In June, a Grand Rapids emergency room doctor told 24 Hour News 8 he thought the new legislation would lead to more injuries.

--Chart showing legal fireworks in Michigan--