The 4th of July is still a week away, but St. Louis fireworks enthusiasts are already shooting rockets into the sky from backyard patios and driveways. The first major fireworks accident of the holiday occurred over the weekend when a 10-year-old St. Louis boy lost several fingers when a firework exploded in his hand.

According to police reports, the boy was holding the firework in his hand when he lit it and it exploded, severing four of his fingers. Yesterday, the boy underwent the second of what doctors say will be many surgeries to repair the damage.

The young boy and his brother were crossing a field near their Genevieve Avenue home when their found the firework. The boys’ mother told police fireworks are sold in the neighborhood. Police are investigating but have classified the incident as an accidental injury.

Each year, more than 9,000 U.S. children are taken to hospital emergency rooms with personal injuries caused by home-related fireworks. More than half of fireworks injuries to children occur when parents are present and happen while the child himself is playing with fireworks. Burns are the most frequent injury. However, bystanders account for nearly a quarter of all fireworks accidents to children.

Fireworks accidents to children are preventable personal injuries. The St. Louis personal injury attorneys at Hoffman & Gelfman urge parents to keep their children safe this Independence Day and enjoy fireworks at public displays.