Man dies after strapping fireworks mortar to his head and setting it off

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CALAIS, Maine - One young Maine man is dead after he put a fireworks mortar on his head and set it off, according to officials.

Devon Staples, 22, died instantly, said Maine Public Safety Spokesperson Steve McCausland.

McCausland says Staples had been drinking with friends at a home in Calais, Maine, Saturday night. The incident occurred at approximately 10 p.m. EST.

Officials say this is the first death attributed to fireworks since Maine legalized them two years ago.

Investigators said there were non-fatal injuries from private fireworks incidents in the Maine towns of Friendship, Lebanon, Jefferson, Woodstock and a separate incident in Calais. McCausland said those injuries consisted of burns and eye injuries.

Gaston actor killed by firework 'thought it was a dud'

Friends and family are grieving after a 22-year-old died instantly on the Fourth of July from a fireworks accident. Maine authorities said Devon Staples placed a mortar tube on top of his head and it exploded. His friends say he thought it was a dud.

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