Oceanside teen suffers traumatic hand amputation and severe burns after fireworks device detonates Thursday morning

Injury prompts air transport to regional burn center

A 15-year-old boy suffered life-threatening injuries in Oceanside on Thursday morning after a fireworks device detonated while he was holding it, resulting in a traumatic amputation of his right hand and severe burns to his upper body, authorities said.

Firefighters and police officers were dispatched to the 300 block of North Horne Street at about 9 a.m. Emergency responders found the teen with severe burns to his face and chest, and the blast had caused the loss of his right hand. He was treated at the scene and then airlifted to the UC San Diego Burn Center due to the severity of his injuries. No other injuries were reported.

The incident remains under investigation. Officials have not publicly released the teen’s name or details about how the device was obtained.

What is known about the fireworks device

Authorities described the item involved as a “firework device” that detonated in the teen’s hand. They have not publicly identified the specific type of firework or whether it was commercially manufactured or improvised.

In fireworks incidents, injuries frequently involve burns and trauma to the hands and face because devices are commonly handled at close range during ignition, malfunction, or premature detonation. National injury surveillance data has consistently shown hands and fingers among the most commonly injured body parts in fireworks-related emergency room visits.

Local rules and enforcement context in San Diego County

Oceanside prohibits fireworks within city limits, including so-called “safe and sane” consumer fireworks that may be legal in some California jurisdictions. San Diego-area fire agencies and city authorities regularly stress that enforcement can include citations, fines, and confiscation, and that more dangerous fireworks can carry additional penalties under state law.

While enforcement and public messaging often intensify around holiday periods, injuries can occur any time fireworks are handled, particularly when minors have access to devices designed to burn, explode, or propel material.

Safety reminders highlighted by authorities

In statements issued after the Oceanside incident, fire officials urged residents to follow local regulations and safety guidance and emphasized that fireworks can cause catastrophic injuries, especially to minors.

• Keep children and teens away from fireworks and ignition sources.
• Do not handle or attempt to relight devices that fail to ignite normally.
• Use only permitted alternatives for celebrations, such as professional displays and non-pyrotechnic options.

The investigation into Thursday’s explosion is ongoing, and authorities have not announced whether citations or criminal charges will follow.

Officials said anyone with information about the incident may contact local law enforcement through non-emergency channels.