Mortar tipping over led to fireworks mishap

LEBANON - The man injured in a fireworks accident during a 4^th of July celebration in Lebanon on Saturday night was burned severely on his leg and inner thigh, according to the Maine Fire Marshal's Office.

The mishap occurred in the area of 591 Little River Road. The 22-year-old man has not yet been identified.

Fire investigator Sgt. Joel Davis said today that the man was standing next to what is known as a "cake," a square platform with about 15 separate explosives designed to ignite sequentially, when it tipped over and sent explosives firing off in his direction.

The victim was transported to Southern Maine Health Care in Sanford where he was treated for his wounds. Davis was not sure whether the victim had been admitted to the hospital or not.

Davis said the device that caused the injury was legal, but added it is important to make sure it is placed on level ground so that it doesn't tip over during ignition.

The Lebanon incident was among several around the state, including a fatal incident up north.

In Calais a young Calais man was killed when he placed a fireworks mortar tube on top of his head and it ignited. Devon Staples, 22, who had been drinking with friends, died instantly in the mishap around 10 p.m.

It was the first death attributed to fireworks since they were legalized in Maine two years ago.

Maine State Police spokesman Stephen McCausland said there were also burns and eye injuries involving fireworks Saturday night in Friendship, Jefferson and Woodstock.