POMPANO BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Two children suffered second degree burns after playing with fireworks in Pompano Beach.
Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies and Pompano Beach Fire Rescue crews responded to a home in the area of Northwest Sixth Avenue and North River Drive, just after 2:30 p.m., Wednesday.
According to fire rescue officials, five kids were playing with an illegal, homemade device known as an onion bomb next to a light post by the concrete slab outside the home.
Two cousins in the group, ages 8 and 9, were the only kids injured when the onion bomb exploded.
The 8-year-old boy suffered burns to his hands and face while the 9-year-old had burns to one of his hands.
“Had they actually had it in their hands, this could have ended a lot worse,” said Sandra King with Pompano Beach Fire Rescue. “It happens this time of year. It’s tragic. No matter what, these devices are serious, they’re deadly and they can have major consequences.”
Officials said the victims were bent over during the explosion.
“They thought it was lit. They took it apart. It wasn’t lit. They started to light it again,” said King. “It was already lit, so it exploded with both of them leaning over the device.”
Investigators are trying to determine how the kids got the onion bomb.
Both of the victims were initially transported to Broward Health Medical Center and later transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Burn Center for further treatment.
Meanwhile, first responders hope the incident can be a lesson as the Fourth of July nears.
“Leave the fireworks to the professionals during Fourth of July, and be very wary of these illegal companies selling these types of devices,” said King. “It is just not a good thing. These are deadly devices.”
Officials said it remains unclear if there were any adults around at the time of the incident or if the kids knew they were playing with fireworks.
BSO deputies are investigating the incident and will determine if there will be any charges.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.