Watch CBS News

Detroit Man, 44, Killed While Lighting Firework

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) —A Fourth of July celebration in Detroit ended with one man dead on Friday. The 44-year-old man died after he was hit by a firework outside a home on Plainview Street near Evergreen and Ford Road at about 10:30 p.m. on the city's west side.

Instead of shooting toward the sky, the fireworks shot out horizontally.

Neighbor Ron Mowman said that the man was holding the fireworks when they went off.

"We were all just having dinner and everyone was blowing off some fireworks," Mowman said. "He had one -- he had it up -- instead of shooting out, it shot him."

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

"It happened so fast," Mowman added. "I guess you aren't supposed to hold it."

The incident remains under investigation, with autopsy results pending from the Wayne County Medical Examiner's office.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.