Hudson Valley Man Seriously Injured By Fireworks

A Hudson Valley man is recovering after he was seriously injured by professional grade fireworks.

Monday around 9:30 p.m., the Clarkstown Police Department responded to the area of Hall Ave in New City for a report of a man injured by fireworks. Responding units found a 38-year-old man from New City with severe injuries to his arms and face.

Police say it appears the man was setting of fireworks when one of firework malfunctioned and exploded in front of the victim.

Rockland Paramedics and New City Volunteer Ambulance responded to the scene. Due to the extent of the man’s injuries he was transported Westchester Medical Center.

The Clarkstown Police Department would like to remind everyone that fireworks are dangerous and should only be used by professionals. Eleven people died in 2015 using fireworks and an estimated 11,900 people were taken to the hospital with fireworks-related injuries. About 67% of those injuries occurred in the 30 days before and after July Fourth celebrations.

Police also are reminding everyone that while a new law has made it legal to purchase sparkler devices, any device that goes in the air or has explosives in it are still illegal and very dangerous.