Springfield’s two hospitals combined to treat about two dozen people for fireworks-related injuries over the July 4 weekend. Mercy Springfield treated seven people for fireworks-related injuries on Friday, July 3, and another seven on Saturday, July 4.
Spokesperson Randy Berger at Cox Hospital could not provide exact numbers but did confirm their emergency room team treated several people for fireworks-related injuries over the weekend. Berger said the ER team treated fewer fireworks-related injuries than in recent years and estimated the number of patients at fewer than 20.
No firework-related deaths were reported in the city. Springfield Fire Chief David Pennington said his crews did not respond to any fires resulting from fireworks over the weekend.
The Logan-Rogersville Fire Protection District services some areas in east Springfield. Fire Chief Richard Stirts said his crews responded to two trash bin fires caused by discarded fireworks and one medical call where an individual held an exploding firework, thinking it was a smoke bomb. That person was transported to the hospital with moderate injuries, he said.
Springfield’s city code prohibits the possession, manufacture, storage, sales, handling and discharge of fireworks within city limits. Novelty items like snappers, party poppers, toy smoke devices, glowworms and some sparklers are allowed.
Original reporting: Springfield Daily Citizen — read the source article.
