AUGUSTA, Maine — Two men were injured in separate fireworks incidents on New Year’s Eve, according to state police.
One incident occurred in Minot and the other in Milo, Department of Public Safety spokesman Stephen McCausland said in a release.
In Minot, Joseph Chandler, 62, lost a thumb and finger when a reloadable fireworks mortar exploded in his hand, McCausland said.
According to fire investigators, Chandler likely put the fireworks shell in backwards. He was taken to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.
Kiel Larson, 23, of Milo was injured in a similar incident and is being treated at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, McCausland said.
Maine State Fire Marshal Joe Thomas said consumers need to follow operating instructions when using fireworks, and all fireworks purchased in Maine come with those guidelines. Those who use fireworks also should abstain from drinking alcohol while doing so.
