Man suffers 'catastrophic' injuries to both hands using illegal fireworks in Maryland

A 21-year-old Maryland man severely injured both of his hands Tuesday attempting to launch a firework out of a mortar during an outdoor party. 

Anne Arundel County firefighters found illegal fireworks purchased in Pennsylvania at the home where the man improperly handled the explosive. 

"The victim held a mortar tube in his hand and dropped a lit mortar into the tube with the other hand. The mortar was upside down, and the explosion within the tube caused catastrophic injuries to both of his hands," according to a statement from the fire department. 

He had critical but not believed life-threatening injuries.

Officials note this is the second consecutive year someone in the county has required hospitalization following a fireworks injury. The use of fireworks without a permit is illegal in Maryland.

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