04/11/2004

Firework explodes injuring boy's hand and face

A 10-year-old Co Antrim boy is being treated in hospital today after being badly injured by a firework that exploded in his hand.

Colin McKay was injured on Monday night when the firework, which he found with a friend in the Poleglass area of west Belfast, went off when he tried to light it.

He suffered serious injuries to his face and hands and has lost his sight. His mother Josie McKay is expected to meet with an eye specialist on Thursday to discuss her son’s condition.

"They are going to have a look and hopefully tell us when he will be able to see again," she said.

"The staff at the hospital have been very supportive - they have been there for us as much as Colin. He is talking - he is actually in very good form."

Staff at Colin’s school, St Kieran's Primary School, said they plan to use pictures of his injuries in a fireworks awareness campaign while his family said they hope the incident would deter others from playing with fireworks.

(MB/SP)

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