Ptolemaida: Firework exploded in the hands of a 17-year-old, risks amputation
A serious accident involving a firework occurred in Ptolemaida, Greece, resulting in severe injuries and the potential amputation of a 17-year-old's fingers.
A tragic incident unfolded in Ptolemaida, Greece, on the afternoon of Saturday, February 21, when a 17-year-old boy suffered severe injuries from a firework explosion. The explosion occurred shortly after 5:30 PM in a local park designated for emergencies, where the teenager attempted to activate a flare he was holding. Under unclear circumstances, the firework exploded unexpectedly, leading to critical injuries and significant bleeding.
Emergency services were promptly notified, and an ambulance from the National Centre for Immediate Assistance (EKAB) arrived at the scene to transport the injured teenager to the Bodossaki Hospital in Ptolemaida. Medical personnel in the Emergency Department acted quickly, performing an urgent admission to control the bleeding and assess the damage to the boy's fingers. Reports indicate that the situation is serious, with doctors considering the possibility of amputations.
This unfortunate event underscores the dangers associated with the handling of fireworks, particularly by minors, and raises questions about the accessibility of such items to young people. The local community in Ptolemaida is likely to rally together to support the victim and his family, while local authorities may need to reevaluate regulations surrounding firework usage to prevent similar incidents in the future.