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Schoolboy's Bonfire Night warning after firework trauma
29 Oct
Summary
- A young boy suffered severe injuries from a discarded firework.
- He lost four fingers and part of his palm in the accident.
- The child urges others to be cautious with pyrotechnics.
A schoolboy who suffered devastating injuries from a firework is urging youngsters to be cautious this Bonfire Night. Four years ago, an eight-year-old Riley Luke was playing with friends in Paisley, Renfrewshire, when a discarded firework he was holding exploded.
The accident resulted in the loss of four of his fingers and a significant portion of his palm, with his thumb severely damaged. Riley spent two weeks in an induced coma in intensive care at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.
His recovery involved extensive surgery and rehabilitation, including learning to write with his left hand. Although he still faces challenges with tasks like tying shoelaces, the now 12-year-old participates fully in activities like scootering and biking.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service highlighted Riley's experience as a critical reminder of the dangers of fireworks, emphasizing that they are explosives and should only be handled by adults. They are actively promoting safety messaging and educating schoolchildren about the risks associated with fireworks and bonfires.
