Woman critical after fireworks incident

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - A Kalamazoo woman is in critical condition following a mishap while lighting a type of firework that shoots in the air and explodes, and made legal by a new Michigan law (pdf).

The 38-year-old victim suffered extensive second- and third-degree burns to her face, hands, arms and torso.

Neighbors told 24 Hour News 8 a couple in the 1700 block of Hawk Drive in the Meadowview Village Mobile Home Park in Kalamazoo were setting off large fireworks about 9 p.m. Wednesday.

The neighbors said they saw the fireworks display and were concerned someone was going to get hurt.

"It looked like as I looked out one of these little boxes that shoots lots of things and it went up in the air, and then all the sparks were coming down, and I thought, 'Geez, that's unsafe,'" said Mary Plyley.

Police were called to the scene about 11:49 p.m. when the incident with the victim occurred. Police said the woman was drinking at the time.

Rescue personnel arrived and transported the woman to Bronson Methodist Hospital.

24 Hour News 8 went to the woman's home and saw remnants of the fireworks in the trash can and on the ground.

The neighbors said fireworks were recently banned from the neighborhood.

Police continue to investigate and would like to hear from witnesses who can call 269.337.8994 or Silent Observer at 269.343.2100.

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Online:

Fireworks safety information --

http://www.fireworksafety.com/

http://www.nfpa.org/index.asp?cookie_test=1