A gardener in Torrance, California suffered severe injuries while working on a property when an undetonated firework he accidentally picked up suddenly exploded.
Hector Mayoral, 37, was engaged in mowing a lawn on July 8 when he spotted an unfamiliar object among the surrounding litter. Acting with the intention of discarding it, Mayoral reached out to retrieve the item, described as a small sphere, only to be met with a sudden detonation.
The forceful explosion resulted in the loss of most of Mayoral’s left hand and fingers, while his right eye sustained irreparable damage, leaving him with impaired vision. The traumatic incident also inflicted numerous lacerations across his body.
Emergency services arrived at the scene, with paramedics, police, and the bomb squad responding to the explosion, according to reports. A neighbor, who was alerted by the blast, promptly rushed to Mayoral’s aid. The neighbor recounted that a bomb technician suggested the object was “probably larger than an M-80.”
After the incident, Mayoral finds himself unable to work due to the extent of his injuries. His family set up a GoFundMe campaign to ameliorate the financial burden. So far, the campaign has received over $56,000.
The family disclosed that the victim would likely need surgical intervention for his eye, and they hope he can eventually obtain a prosthetic for his hand. However, the scarcity of funds, and lack of insurance, poses a significant obstacle.
With gratitude, Mayoral and his family extended their appreciation for the support and encouragement during the difficult recovery process.