A 5 year-old-boy from Kwekwe’s Mbizo 9 suburb on Saturday 26 December, lost his arm in a firecracker blasting mishap, midlands news has learnt.
Circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident are that the boy bought a pack of fireworks crackers at a local shop, he then went on to blast them.
On the first two attempts, the fireworks safely exploded, but the third one produced a more powerful blast that ripped off his thumb and index finger.
Although he got quick medical attention, the boy’s hand was “unsalvageable. The doctors had to amputate the hand.
Kwekwe General Hospital, Acting Medical Superintendent Doctor Bruce Mhondiwa confirmed the unfortunate incident that left the boy without three of his fingers.
 |
| Sad News - Kwekwe Boy (5) Loses Arm To Firecracker Blast! |
The surgery was successful and the child is stable” he said.
Doctor Mhondiwa added that the instituted a secondary surgery operation.
“The child had traumatic amputation which means amputation secondary non-surgical procedure, for example, trauma, blast.
The child was taken to theatre for debridement, trimming and suturing” he said.
Doctor Mhondiwa advised that when displaying and blasting fireworks adults should supervise the procedure.
Only adults should deal with setting up firework displays, the lighting of fireworks and the safe disposal of fireworks once they have been used (and remember, alcohol and fireworks don’t mix!)”,
“Children and young people should be supervised, and watch and enjoy fireworks at a safe distance. Observe some of the following when using fireworks this holiday”,
“Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and check the time you can legally set off fireworks. Only buy fireworks which carry the CE mark, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time”, said Dr Mhondiwa.
He added that users must follow instructions for safe use as displayed on the package.
“Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary. Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back.
Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks. Never return to a firework once it has been lit”
“Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them. Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators. Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire. Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving” he said.
