South Carolina man said to be ‘showing off’ killed in fireworks accident
FILE - This image shows a firework illuminate the sky of a residential neighborhood. Getty Images
A South Carolina man was killed in an accident involving fireworks on the Fourth of July, according to records from the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office.
The 41-year-old man from Summerville was said to be "showing off" when he put a firework on his head, according to the incident report.
The man’s wife told deputies they were having a block party and that her husband, Allen McGrew, had been drinking for several hours before the accident happened just before 10:30 p.m.
She said she saw her husband put a firework on his head, which she believed was done to "show off."
The coroner’s report obtained by FOX Television Stations stated the man ignited a large firework device and set it upon his head in subdivision’s street. The device exploded while on top of his head, causing massive head injuries.
The incident report stated that his wife was telling him to stop when the firework suddenly went off, and that those watching saw him collapse.
She told The Post and Courier that July 4th was her husband’s favorite holiday and that he died doing what he loved.
The Post and Courier reported the firework involving McGrew’s death was legal but did not elaborate.
RELATED: Are fireworks legal in your state?
Deaths from fireworks
According to a report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, eight deaths were reported from fireworks in 2023.
The report states 9,700 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks injuries in 2023.
The most common injury from fireworks is burns to the hands and fingers, according to the CPSC.
This story was reported from Detroit.