A Southern California mother is sounding the alarm after her teenage son suffered severe, life-altering injuries to both hands during a Fourth of July fireworks accident involving an illegal explosive. The incident has left the teen facing possible amputations and prompted a desperate plea for stricter enforcement against dangerous fireworks.

Maria Escalante’s son, one of her twins, was among two Orange County teenagers injured when a powerful illegal firework exploded prematurely. The blast tore through the boys’ hands, resulting in the loss of multiple fingers and extensive trauma that may require amputation.

Escalante described the devastating scene, saying her son’s hands were “literally butchered.” She learned of the second teen’s similar injuries through the other family. Both boys were rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment following the explosion.

The mother has gone public with her story, using the tragedy to warn others about the dangers of illegal fireworks. She is calling for a crackdown on their sale and use, emphasizing that what began as a celebratory evening turned into a nightmare that will affect her son for the rest of his life.

Fireworks-related injuries spike around the Fourth of July, with illegal devices often responsible for the most severe cases due to their unpredictable power and lack of safety features.

Sources: New York Post