You didn't set it up right fucktards, that's your fault. I'm not going to stop buying them just because of your story. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. Place on LEVEL surface. You idiots are why I have to go out of state to buy fireworks.
if they would have taken the proper safety measures there son wouldn't have died so its there fault there son is dead, but they don't want to believe that so they blame fireworks.
this is a 3yr old child u bunch of yank numbnuts! no wonder most of the world hate ya,u fucktards,obviously inbreeding is rife in america cuz u are all fuckin stupid and retarded! i hope one day it happens to someone u care about then see how dumb that is!
If this family had been using said fireworks on a flat surfice (I.E smooth concrete) the firework never would have tipped, which is why my family always uses a flat surface when shooting any firework. This family should have done the same.
I feel for this family but it pisses me off that the NFPA would use this tragedy to push an agenda. Accidents happen. They always have and they always will. There is a lot of fun to fireworks. This country does not need a bunch of Nannies telling us that we shouldn't use consumer fireworks. Disgusting!
The parent's ignorance resulted in the death of their own child. That's sad. But what is truly tragic is they are now being used as instruments of the NFPA in an attempt to remove our right to use fireworks responsibly and safely.
NFPA regulations state that this child should have been a minimum of 210 feet away (If he was killed by a 3" NOAB) or 125 feet away (If it was a 1.75" shell)...NOT a mere 40 feet away. Once again, the parent's ignorance resulted in the death of their own child.
knives are not safe and being sold same with about a billion other products. as bad as i feel for the kid it was most likely the fault of the retarded adult who didnt properly set it up.
If you look at most fireworks labels, you'll see things like "LIGHT FUSE AND GET AWAY" and "DO NOT HOLD IN HAND." Just because some Darwin Award candidates don't know such simple common sense doesn't mean the fireworks are at fault.
I wish it said what KIND of firework it was. If it was a mortor as I suspect, the best safety measure along with distance is to put a board between the watchers and the mortor base. If it falls sidways it can only deflect rather than launch into them.
standing 40 feet away from a firework is not a safe distance...soooo i think that these parents were undereducated on the real safety of fireworks...DO NOT BAN!!!
You should be 100 yards away from an aerial firework. If your not your taking that risk. They took the risk and they got dealt the punishment of it. I don't see why there complaining about when then didn't follow safety guide lines.
This is a sad example. But, this is why we need free safety videos and classes for the public. If they knew that there is a safety distance required for arial fireworks this would not of happened. There is such a thing as safely using consumer fireworks, hundreds of people every year "safely" use them with no accidents or high risk to the viewers. Don't blame the product for the problem, in the end, it was the user that caused this.
If they would have blocked off the firework (like you should do for all fireworks) this would not have happened. Sad story but safety precautions need to be taken. This story is like the child hit with the baseball hit from an LS bat. Is fireworks to be blamed? I think not.
Whilst fireworks CAN be dangerous, they can also be used safely and properly. The important thing is good quality control, clear instructions, good education and most obviously sensible and considerate use by the consumer.
The problem isn't fireworks themselves, the problem is that they are often misused , taken apart, sold illegally, used illegally.
I would suggest a basic licence and training course for anyone buying fireworks. How to set them up, how to arrange safe crowd distance etc.
Dats illegal, ain't it. Some neighbors had illegal works so some father had his kids wear goggles while they watched for free but not a hard-hat. Ogrish had a video of the 8 yr old boy who's eye socket caught the flare from a flaregun and it never stopped burning huge. It was insane! A coastgaurd in Mexico brought it to a soccer game to shoot across to the other side.
ok all all ppl ou here saing hings and ga crap ea ppl do ge killed in car accidens sure les ban cars we have bikes pa for one bike pa no more no need for gas anoher hing exersize for all u fa asses ou here o laz o ge up exersize ban machines ban wepons he world will be safe anoher hing 3 ear old whoa
My heart goes out to this family but there's no need to ban these products. More people die from falling coconuts and laughing too hard then fireworks. Also this video was made in 1991 since then many improvements have been mad to these products like warnings labels on the package.
Im sick of people blaming one thing (whatever it is) when it was a accident. ACCIDENT.
My sympathy goes out to the family. But to put down consumer fireworks (which millions of people enjoy safely each year mind you) because of their accident this is NOT right.
Millions of people die due to alcohol and cars. Lets ban cars too while were at it.
Their not putting down the product, their just trying to get people to be safer--
"Its the PERSONS fault he didnt secure it
properly while firing."-Yes, this is true, but there is no reason to point that out, im pretty sure if your baby was the one to die in YOUR arms you wouldnt have a swell day after hearing that it was THEIR fault,
I teared up and whatnot *still do when I see this video*but when people try to ban something(in this case consumer fireworks)because something negatively happened to them (with the product(s))-- its not right.
We have car accidents all the time so lets ban cars.
2:40 Understanding the dangers and putting out false information about fireworks are two completely different things.
***I have sympathy, just not for ignorance. The person was at fault, the fireworks did the job they were supposed to
Im sorry for your loss. But what about the children alchohol kills? Probably hundreds more! This was a freak accident, and the music, emotion and pictures are there to manipulate us into think consumer fireworks are basically the devils work. Alchohol is much worse.
Hear the gentle rolling piano? The gentle panning across the innocent face of a child? Notice how it sensually shifts into a minor melody as Dad understandably shows his emotions? It makes me sick to think we have stooped to manipulating the public with emotion instead of reason. This video: A cold-blooded tactic to get citizens hot-blooded over fireworks. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Shannon. It is just for us all to pay for our own mistakes. You are about to make us all pay for yours.
If I had a dime for every maudlin tale on videotape involving beer and a car, I would buy my own country. If you want to convince me why one should cease his harmless hobby on the account of the freak accident or the vapid moron, convince me why one shouldn't drive. Government is here to protect us from each other, not ourselves. I am sick and tired of this righteous crusade for a nanny state. Educate, don't legislate you fools.
fireworks that are avalible for public,tha ones you find in stores all over. they are legal and they are supposed to be tested as safe and if not they will not be sold inn the store.
CPSC fishes for "ban fireworks!" stories...But as has been said...Fireworks are not going away whether you ban them or not. The question is whether they will adhere to the regulations. They also didn't mention that the stability requirement for cakes are more stringent since this incident.
The fact is that fireworks are seen as "exotic" and thus easy targets for bans. Despite the fact that you are far more likely to be killed by the other more ordinary things like a stray golf ball.
You are also must adhere to the directions. "Place on flat, level ground" should at least be followed as a minimum requirement. Ideally the thing should be braced or partially buried. It is a lack of knowing how to deal with fireworks, and in most cases also a lack of responsibility that contributes to accidents. And why people put body parts over mortars is beyond me. I always use the analogy that they are standing over a MLB fastball that explodes after it hits you...
People wear special glasses that make fireworks look very evil, and continue to wear those glasses until fireworks disappear.
The popular idea, perticularly here in british columbia, is highly controlling and at the same time generalizing. Not a good thing.
They demonize fireworks and outright lie about them to fuel public hate, then they cite incidents like kids hitting eachother in the eye with roman candles. it's a lot of bullshit, but people in BC Buy it and blindly believe it.
This really peeves me. Unfortunate? Yes. Unavoidable? Yes. The mother makes the stupid statement "I wish that we could've done something to take him out of harm's way" Well, you could've been at a safe distance. Consumer fireworks are safe when done 'PROPERLY'. It's people that don't take them seriously and stand right in front of them, get injured or worse and now because of their irresponsibility they want to take all fireworks off of the market. Distance is always the safety key, here folks.
"We assumed if a product is on the market, it would be safe."
Haha, wow.....Safe is a relative term, and since you ignored safety measures, YOU got your son killed!
Using your logic, I guess lamps are just as unsafe. Someone can strangle you with the cord! Or maybe lets ban paint, because if you sniff it you will get brain damage. But wait, this is not using it properly! Same goes for your fireworks display. A product is just a product; it gets its safety from the person using it.
A ban on the sale/private use of fireworks will only result in a healthy blackmarket in fireworks of unknown origin which may not comply to any safety standards whatsoever which would only end up with more casulaties/fatalities. It's alright saying leave it to the professionals but if you ban consumer fireworks you end up with illegal trade and sale of unsafe lethal potentially deadly fireworks to the the public. Fireworks when used properly according to instructions do NOT cause problems.
no kidding, I once met a kid who got M80s from a skatebowl. He was responsible with them himself but he gave me one. I opened it and discovered they were using hypochlorites from pool tablets. NOT good.
Bein a fireworks buyer myself when we were little my dad would usually just buy the bottle rockets, sky rockets, firecrackers and maybe fountains and spinners. We started buying aerial repeaters as I got a little older but it wasn't until hearing stories of them tipping over on the news that we used bricks around all our aerial stuff to make it safer.
Some people won't brace their fireworks from tipping over because some of them come with a stand. If I get a firework that is built onto a stand I still don't take the chance and will put bricks around it.
I wouldn't say they didn't know how to use fireworks, how many consumers thought of putting bricks around aerial fireworks? On the directions they wouldn't tell people to, they would just say to put it on a flat hard level surface, the directions on fireworks never told people to put bricks around them althought a trained professional who uses more powerful lifting fireworks would have probably known enough to do it.
I would say that the moral from this is if watching fireworks, stand really far back. So far that even if one does fire horizontally, it won't reach the crowd. If you can't maintain that distance, then don't buy the fireworks in the first place.
once again sorry for your loss but that is why you should hire a professional i believe you said forty feet well the recomended distance for 1.4 consumer fireworks is 100 ft and remember A.B.C. always brace cakes and keep a safe distance.
The companies who make fireworks should put into consideration how the fireworks are going to be used by people... what is their appeal? Can someone take a firework and use it this way like a gun? How does the price and effect appeal to a mass audience and how can that lead to the abuse of a perticular item in some way?
Airbags are designed to save people becasue they are safe. But they can also kill people. Just because something is on the market doesnt mean it is safe. If you buy plastic trash bags on the market, it doesnt mean that a 4 year old cant die from them. Sorry but that somment that because fireworks are sold on the market should mean they are safe was as arrogant as you letting your little boy be that close fireworks. Every firework is dangerous, that is common sense.
Sorry For your loss. But unfortunately you had to learn the hard way how dangerous fireworks are. I would be considered a Professional. If you dont realize fireworks are deadly from 40 feet away then you SHOULDNT be using them. Just because YOU made a mistake doesnt mean the people who are being safe (like those of us who dont let a 4 year stand that close to aerial fireworks) should be punished. Like your video says Leave fireworks to the professionals. Dont be stupid. Take every precaution.
but i think fireworks should be legal as long as people are safe with them. some states are banning consumer fireworks and some of the people are furious
i think people should have a choice with consumer fireworks. people should know the dangers but they shouldnt be banned
When the CPSC does their anti fireworks conventions they should have a professional pyrotechnician there telling and showing people how to use the class C fireworks in a safer manner because fireworks and other things in life aren't completely safe. In states that legalize most or all consumer fireworks, have a pyrotechnician hold a class showing how to safely use them.
There is an expectation in our society that government will not allow us to do or buy something that is dangerous. Sadly, that is not always the case.
Your idea is a good one. Education helps and combined with a permitting process it would certainly help the fire department and local authorities ensure that those that do use fireworks do so safely and responsibly.
Not everyone actually thinks to put bricks around aerial fireworks but with all kinds of reports of aerial fireworks tipping over the people that run these anti fireworks conventions should also be telling people that if they light aerial display fireworks if it's legal or not in their state to atleast warn the people to use bricks around them and to have them on a flat level surface such as plywood if they only have a grass area.
Our sincere condolences. As a professional pyrotechnician I agree that there is not adequate warning to the public.
ALL accidents involving fireworks are due to human error. Handling fireworks is far more dangerous than driving a car or jumping out of a plane, yet the government does very little to convey this message to the public. The consumer should be required to obtain a permit for ANY fireworks display so the safety precautions required as well as the dangers involved are clear.
Oh so just because an accident happened to your son you have to ban fireworks for everyone?
Driving a car isnt safe, walking isnt safe, NOTHINGS TECHNICALLY SAFE-- the person who was lighting that mortar or rocket was the PERSON not PERSONS responsible for your sons death.
Millions of people each year celebrate safely with consumer fireworks including myself. Along with proper use there are accidents, which are caused by the person(s) themselves or just plain bad luck.
I had a state cop in my town one year lighting state banned class C fireworks on the 4th of July lol. In some towns the local cops don't bother people for lighting them off. I noticed that even if it has rained out they bother people alot less but theres not much to worry about when the ground is wet.
I'm from CT too, I think it's a joke that people are charged as criminals for possessing other consumer fireworks besides fountains. The federal government allows all consumer fireworks to be bought and sold in the United States and the people should have a right to buy them. The states that ban consumer fireworks give people a criminal record when even the federal government doesn't give a shit who buys and uses fireworks as long as they are class C consumer.
I avoid the saturn battery missle fireworks. I had a 100 shot battery missle one year, it's like 100 bottle rocket tops in a square box flying up one after another. One bottle rocket top didn't even fly into the air, it flew up out of the box a few inches and then shot across horizontal, luckily not in our direction. The more powerful repeaters have a better thrust to propel the shells into the air.
You could take all the precautions but you might have a neighbor that doesn't! We take as many precautions as we can and my neighbor lights their fireworks and they stand just a few feet from them, they don't even put bricks around their fireworks.
On the 4th of july people also drink, they don't belong operating a car and certainly shouldn't be lighting fireworks if they are drunk. If a firework doesn't go off leave it alone for awhile, don't be quick to approach it to see what happend, fireworks can probably take over 5 minutes to go off.
I still have friends that hold roman candles in their hands. I always place those in a empty mortar tube and light them. I've seen roman candles that as soon as the fireball came out, didn't even make it into the air and blew up or the candles can backfire. People should also wear safety glasses that they sell at sporting goods stores and maybe even leather gloves when lighting fireworks.
Another thing people need to know is that the re-loadable mortar tubes, a kid was severly injured by one and lucky he didn't get killed. After each mortar shell the tube becomes hot and you need to let it cool down, the kid didn't know this and neither does many other people, he went to load in another shell, the tube was so hot from lighting other shells that when he loaded in another the shell fired on it's own without even lighting the fuse and hit him.
That's horrible, I think the news talked about this a few years ago or it was another kid that was killed from a firework tipping over. I always place the fireworks on a piece of plywood or flat conrete ground and then put bricks around all sides of the aerial firework to hold it in place. Even if a consumer firework multi shot item has it's own stand I still place bricks around it.
Brace all cakes with bricks and tape the mortar tubes to a flat board.Load the mortar correctly. Bottle rockets 20oz coke bottle filled with water(not sand). Sky Rockets gallon milk jug filled with water. water so the jug won't tip. Roman Candles use a boat road holder and put it in the ground to hold the candles. Hold in your hand and never move your wrist. Fountains braced also. Please try this at home. Thank you.
Never hold Roman Candles in your hand. Use the boat rod holder Wal-Mart sporting goods
$2.88. Bury it in the ground deep enough so it won't move around. Sparklers are the most dangerous firework by far. If you move your wrist you will get burned. I am beyond an expert in fireworks safety. Please try this at home.
There are a lot of videos on You Tube of people using fireworks illegally- making their own stuff, throwing them etc. This is very dangerous, and is also criminal behaviour. These videos should not be encouraged, or promoted on this site.
Very sad story. This is a prime example of why Americans should be required to pass a simple safety class before purchasing and discharging consumer fireworks. "ABCM" Always Brace Cakes & Mortars.
Exactly- I fully agree, the same should be applied in the UK. We have a rather out of date "Fireworks Code" and posters saying Under 18s can't buy fireworks, but that is all.
I've too always liked the safety class idea! Perhaps an adaption for fireworks of the boating or hunting safety classes. I wonder how hard it would be to set something like that up? I also agree that the message "Always Brace Cakes & Mortars" (ABCM) is something that people should be informed about before purchasing those items. It's not rocket science (or is it?), but alot of people seem to need those safety tips.
Sad indeed, the fact remains that you could substitute any consumer item in place of fireworks and the results could be the same. Freak accidents can happen almost anywhere, anytime. There's no doubt fireworks can be dangerous. However, so can bikes, skateboards, contact sports, etc and almost any other item used wrong can be. While this story is tragic, he probably wasn't following the directions as stated on the package. (Place on hard ground. Light fuse and get away)
Yeah its a sad story, but these are some of the many people who are trying as best as they can to get rid of fireworks. The media kills everything. Cars, knives, guns, machines, poisonous chemicals and household solvents have a MUCH higher injury rate than fireworks. Why not ban those instead?
NFPA 1123 clearly states that a safe distance of 70 feet per inch of mortar diameter should be maintained. That figures out to 122.5 feet not 40 feet, this is an accident that would not have happened if proper safe practices were followed. I am sorry for their loss but their crusade is misguided. They should be pushing for education not prohibition.
Fireworks don't need to be illegal - users need to be smarter. A summary of the relevant parts of 1123 should be a mandatory handout at 1.4G stands. Many people simply don't understand the potential of products so easily obtained.
I agree, While I feel terrible for this family. It all boils down to SAFETY. That one word goes a long way in preventing tragedy like this. KNOW YOUR SURROUNDINGS!!
this story is indeed tragic, but the answer is not banning consumer products, dont blame the fireworks, blame the careless idiot who allowed a three year old to use a consumer firework, indeed it is a legal product, but if they had read the warning lable they would have know not to let a child use it, gees, everyone needs something or someone to blame when something bad happens.
THATS IT!!! IM THROUGH!! I LIVE IN WINDSOR ON AND ON JUNE 25 THEY HAVE FIREWORKS AND IM NEVER GOING THERE AGAIN! wait a minute.. the light them in detroit, across the river, so im safe
So companies should make fireworks safer, and the government should educate people on the safe use of fireworks and get rid of the dangerous ones like the shells that you can reload in the large tubes. That is the one that killed the boy. So just ban those ones instead of banning all fireworks which will cause people to illegaly obtain fireworks.
Mortars are not dangerous if used properly. If you use them on grass, Prop it with a Cinder Block. On a hard surface. Do the same if it is windy out. We don't need to ban them, just excercise more saftey.
One canadian fireworks company invented a safer version of the bottle rockets on a stick. Instead of putting the rocket in a bottle where it could randomly fly and hit a child or person in the eye, the rocket is manufactured in a small carboard tube that guides the rocket upwards and if the tube is pointed below 45 degrees, the rocket wont light. This prevents people from shooting them at eachother or holding it in their hands.
Banning fireworks will only result in people illegally obtaining dangerous exploses such as real m80s, cherry bombs, and quarter sticks. Instead of banning them, the public should be educated on how to safely use fireworks and stricter rules should be enforced to get permits for the higher powered aerial consumer fireworks.
I deeply feel for these people and it's devastating anytime an accident like this kills a child. With that said I think this has no bearing on firework safety. She said that she "assumed consumer fireworks were safe". That's just an incorrect assumption. Much like assuming that an automobile is safe and that it cannot kill somebody. I don't see anyone rallying that we should ban automobiles even though thousands die everyyear from their malfunctioning
I completely agree, but an automobile has a variety of safety features built into it. You need to pass a test to prove you know how to operate it. There is no such safety requirements for fireworks except for blurbage that says something about "light fuse and run like hell."
My point was that if these parents were lighting fireworks powerful enough to kill a child and they had a child in close enough proximity that he was killed they are largely to blame. They should have realized the unpredictable nature of all fireworks and kept their kid far enough away. My point is that things don't always function the way that they were designed regardless of any safety features that were build in. This is undoubtedly a worst case scenario.
quisp: I agree, they shouldn't have had their child near it in the 1st place...I feel horrible for the parents, but they should have practiced better parenting skills.
There are "built in" safety requirements for fireworks. Example: "12 degree tilt rule" for cakes (multi-shot items). It's possible that this happened before the rule was instated (or the device slipped through). But I agree with the "ABCM" - always brace cakes and mortars. If you can't follow this rule, you have no business using fireworks. This accident was a tragic example of WHY. I would also have the audience further away.
Yes people have to pass a test yet people die in car accidents every year due to negligence. So what makes people think that educating people on fireworks will change the way they use them.
If every thing that can cause injury or death to a human was regulated more than it is now this country will no longer be FREE as so many people say it is. Having your kid killed by a freak accident has got to be an awful,painful experience and I dont think anyone would trade places with you, but please dont get on the bandwagon to outlaw one more of our few freedoms left. PyroTech for 8years
Just like guns fireworks dont kill people - PEOPLE KILL PEOPLE!!! And No Matter what fireworks are fireworks, anything with the word fire in it shouldn't be handled by kids.
One cannot assume that because a product on the market, it is safe. Some vehicles are basically rolling death traps if you get in any sort of accident. With fireworks certain procedures must be taken to reduce risk.
well the fireworks have warnings on them seriously. if you have common sense. you put it on flat level ground, light it and run the hell away. its really not that hard. if they would have used common sense!
on the fourth of the july my neighbor was lighting bottle rockets the rocket was pointing straight up but it went up about three feet up then went side-ways into sombodies yard
First of all. when a mortar fires, it goes over 100 feet in the air before detonation. so 40 feet away is ignorance on the parents part. I keep my kids behind a car when I use them for just that reason. They need to look up, not at the Mortar.
Did the people who are condemning the family even watch the video? It clearly states that the boy and his father were about 50 feet from the fireworks which if we are to believe the directions on the devices is a "safe" distance. And if I'm not mistaken the firework that killed the little boy was defective - and later taken off the market. So I ask you again, why are people here blaming the family and suggesting that fireworks are inherently "safe"?
The device still tipped over partly due to lack of proper procedure. Only difference is, it was more vulnerable to tipping, because it wasn't screened by the "12 degree test": cakes are now required to be tilted 12 degrees from the horizontal and not tip over. I feel very sorry for the family and don't think they were "stupid", but I still think too much blame is being placed on the fireworks themselves. I encourage lighters of fireworks to seek a thourough understanding of fireworks safety.
Of course, so nobody gets confused, cakes should be level when you light them; the 12 degree thing is only how they test them for the tendency to tip over while firing.
I'll tell you why, So the company can avoid bigger Lawsuits.. It is a public relations issue for the company. We did not see the firework so we can not define defective. It would seem easier for the company to discontinue it rather than be shut down..
SO sorry for your loss...what a beautiful child! My heart goes out to you and your family. A tragic loss that should have never happened. I hope you have been able to find some comfort in eachother and know that he is watching over you. God Bless and please don't give a moments thought to the rude people on here that have said mean things...they obviously have no brain.
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. You must account for recoil when you shoot a golf ball sized projectile at ~80 mph (let this be a lessen in golf as well :). Everything must be level and well secured. Also note that vibrations from one tube can knock over another if they are on the same board and not secured to prevent this (typically I bury mine halfway into the ground). It's when you get sloppy with safety or don't use common sense that tradgedies like this happen.
That's true;roman candles should be buried half way up,multishot cakes should be placed on flat level hard ground or wooden boards on flat level hard ground,fountains should also be placed on flat level hard ground,fountain start mines should be placed on a hard surface and rockets should be fired from appropriate launchers.
May your son rest in peace and your pain subside...my heart goes out to you. People need to use common sense when using any item that sends out a projectile...having your "audience" back a safe distance is rule #1!
Weren't making fun of them. I live in the UK where consumer fireworks are regulated and all comply to BS7114:2:1988,if you follow the instructions properly and set them off correctly they're fine. Basic misuse ie not burying/securing before lighting where necessary etc leads to misfiring and injuries NOT proper sensible safe use.
Fireworks are explosives, albeit small. One should always be aware of all the hazards before lighting the fuse. If you aren't....you could be in for a big surprise. No one ever said they were completely safe!
Well that was back in 1991 and that was 16 yers ago I am pretty sure that since the technology has been growing it is highly unlikely to happen again It's just god wanted him at an early age. R.I.P. kid R.I.P.
ugh eave it to the professionals fireworks arent fun unless you do them yourself those parents must of done something wrong because they dont just do wid things for no reason
I'm so sorry for what you have gone through. I cannot imagine the horror of losing a child. I'd like to say a special word to those who have made disrespectful/rude comments about your heartfelt desire to spare others from the grief you are now having to live with. How mean-spirited and totally thoughtless can some people be regarding this or any such terrible tragedy. Thank you for sharing your story and warning with others. May God comfort you in your loss.
I havent been nasty;I was only explaining the truth of what would happen if fireworks are banned from retail sale/private use;a healthy blackmarket in dubious dodgy dangerously lethal fireworks would sell to the public taking over from legal trade with tragic consequences from these potentially lethal fireworks to the users.
Also if fireworks are banned you get the trade sale and use of even more dangerous unregulated lethal and possibly deadly import fireworks of dubious quality construction and safety through the blackmarket with tragic results to the users.
You didn't set it up right fucktards, that's your fault. I'm not going to stop buying them just because of your story. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. Place on LEVEL surface. You idiots are why I have to go out of state to buy fireworks.
MentalLemur 2 months ago
if they would have taken the proper safety measures there son wouldn't have died so its there fault there son is dead, but they don't want to believe that so they blame fireworks.
rednight666666 2 months ago
this is a 3yr old child u bunch of yank numbnuts! no wonder most of the world hate ya,u fucktards,obviously inbreeding is rife in america cuz u are all fuckin stupid and retarded! i hope one day it happens to someone u care about then see how dumb that is!
molineuxmadman 3 months ago
Comment removed
molineuxmadman 3 months ago
the shannons deserve no sympathy
their own mistake happened because they were one of the few people ignorant about fireworks
now everyone loses their right because of one retarded family
uckersas 3 months ago
The average number of people injured from fireworks every year-8000.
The average number of children injured from toys every year-250,000.
AquariaDesign 6 months ago
it tiped over becaus they are fucking dumb they shood have (used liquid nails to glue the fireworks down to a sheet of plywood) jackass
thedarksidehaunt360 6 months ago
If this family had been using said fireworks on a flat surfice (I.E smooth concrete) the firework never would have tipped, which is why my family always uses a flat surface when shooting any firework. This family should have done the same.
AZEROTH961 7 months ago
I feel for this family but it pisses me off that the NFPA would use this tragedy to push an agenda. Accidents happen. They always have and they always will. There is a lot of fun to fireworks. This country does not need a bunch of Nannies telling us that we shouldn't use consumer fireworks. Disgusting!
brontoab1 7 months ago
The parent's ignorance resulted in the death of their own child. That's sad. But what is truly tragic is they are now being used as instruments of the NFPA in an attempt to remove our right to use fireworks responsibly and safely.
NFPA regulations state that this child should have been a minimum of 210 feet away (If he was killed by a 3" NOAB) or 125 feet away (If it was a 1.75" shell)...NOT a mere 40 feet away. Once again, the parent's ignorance resulted in the death of their own child.
wavemanwt 9 months ago 2
Why is it that most fun things have to hurt yet the things that are lame or in a relative category of that are good for you?
hyperbaricchicken101 1 year ago
knives are not safe and being sold same with about a billion other products. as bad as i feel for the kid it was most likely the fault of the retarded adult who didnt properly set it up.
government1pawn 1 year ago
If you look at most fireworks labels, you'll see things like "LIGHT FUSE AND GET AWAY" and "DO NOT HOLD IN HAND." Just because some Darwin Award candidates don't know such simple common sense doesn't mean the fireworks are at fault.
ixfd64 1 year ago 4
safety sallys
rlxxv 1 year ago
I wish it said what KIND of firework it was. If it was a mortor as I suspect, the best safety measure along with distance is to put a board between the watchers and the mortor base. If it falls sidways it can only deflect rather than launch into them.
Aspriel 1 year ago
standing 40 feet away from a firework is not a safe distance...soooo i think that these parents were undereducated on the real safety of fireworks...DO NOT BAN!!!
siouxfan01 1 year ago 2
You should be 100 yards away from an aerial firework. If your not your taking that risk. They took the risk and they got dealt the punishment of it. I don't see why there complaining about when then didn't follow safety guide lines.
monkey666100 1 year ago 3
This is a sad example. But, this is why we need free safety videos and classes for the public. If they knew that there is a safety distance required for arial fireworks this would not of happened. There is such a thing as safely using consumer fireworks, hundreds of people every year "safely" use them with no accidents or high risk to the viewers. Don't blame the product for the problem, in the end, it was the user that caused this.
fidstang 1 year ago 2
thats why it says that to get to a safe distance. that is why fireworks get banned for people own faults of not reading instructions.
layerba714 1 year ago
if fireworks are banned nationwide, that leaves no choice than to move to either belgium or holland
uckersas 2 years ago
So sad. really makes you realize the dangers of fireworks.
xboxlive6 2 years ago
If they would have blocked off the firework (like you should do for all fireworks) this would not have happened. Sad story but safety precautions need to be taken. This story is like the child hit with the baseball hit from an LS bat. Is fireworks to be blamed? I think not.
srish249 2 years ago 2
Usual dumbass Americans! Why trust them with fireworks
bozzycobo88 2 years ago
RETARD
clubpenguinyogo450 2 years ago
yeah and i looked at ur channel and all u are is an overwieght foriegn asshole
paintballftw69 2 years ago
just because a baby got killed means all our privleges are lost?
uckersas 2 years ago
Whilst fireworks CAN be dangerous, they can also be used safely and properly. The important thing is good quality control, clear instructions, good education and most obviously sensible and considerate use by the consumer.
The problem isn't fireworks themselves, the problem is that they are often misused , taken apart, sold illegally, used illegally.
I would suggest a basic licence and training course for anyone buying fireworks. How to set them up, how to arrange safe crowd distance etc.
Svenkrone 2 years ago
Don't worry they will all be banned in about 5 years along with...
Firearms,
Road Flares,
Blackpowder
Crossbows
Recreational Off Road Vehicles (quads, bikes etc)
surge42 2 years ago
How do you know? banning fireworks won't stop them merely lead to illegal import sale and use.
AnthonyUK 2 years ago
Comment removed
metalschooldrill 2 years ago
i'm thinking it's a jumbo bottle racket
uckersas 2 years ago
Dats illegal, ain't it. Some neighbors had illegal works so some father had his kids wear goggles while they watched for free but not a hard-hat. Ogrish had a video of the 8 yr old boy who's eye socket caught the flare from a flaregun and it never stopped burning huge. It was insane! A coastgaurd in Mexico brought it to a soccer game to shoot across to the other side.
metalschooldrill 2 years ago
I disagree with the message here.
colinshark 2 years ago 2
fireworks are dangerous, but i think everyone should be able to fire them off not just professionals...is that what you were saying too?
Firecracker143 2 years ago
ok all all ppl ou here saing hings and ga crap ea ppl do ge killed in car accidens sure les ban cars we have bikes pa for one bike pa no more no need for gas anoher hing exersize for all u fa asses ou here o laz o ge up exersize ban machines ban wepons he world will be safe anoher hing 3 ear old whoa
zicksman 2 years ago
learn how to spell god i cant understand you
WiiForever302 2 years ago
.....what?
Firecracker143 2 years ago
My heart goes out to this family but there's no need to ban these products. More people die from falling coconuts and laughing too hard then fireworks. Also this video was made in 1991 since then many improvements have been mad to these products like warnings labels on the package.
nascaracing9 2 years ago 4
It's still on!!!!! Good grief, ouube - rome it from the search. It has NOTHING to do with consumer fireworks. Its an outlier. My goodness!!!!!!!
rodsabendin 3 years ago
Because most people are brainwashed by the media.
Jsmooth7444 3 years ago 4
it is getting stupid how they jus ban things instead of any other solution
kingadaboom 3 years ago 4
THANKYOU!
BelligerentAuthority 3 years ago
Im sick of people blaming one thing (whatever it is) when it was a accident. ACCIDENT.
My sympathy goes out to the family. But to put down consumer fireworks (which millions of people enjoy safely each year mind you) because of their accident this is NOT right.
Millions of people die due to alcohol and cars. Lets ban cars too while were at it.
Jsmooth7444 3 years ago 7
"But to put down consumer fireworks"
Their not putting down the product, their just trying to get people to be safer--
"Its the PERSONS fault he didnt secure it
properly while firing."-Yes, this is true, but there is no reason to point that out, im pretty sure if your baby was the one to die in YOUR arms you wouldnt have a swell day after hearing that it was THEIR fault,
Brittoncoursey 3 years ago 2
I teared up and whatnot *still do when I see this video*but when people try to ban something(in this case consumer fireworks)because something negatively happened to them (with the product(s))-- its not right.
We have car accidents all the time so lets ban cars.
2:40 Understanding the dangers and putting out false information about fireworks are two completely different things.
***I have sympathy, just not for ignorance. The person was at fault, the fireworks did the job they were supposed to
Jsmooth7444 3 years ago
Its the PERSONS fault he didnt secure it properly while firing.
Jsmooth7444 3 years ago
omg.. thats so sad :'(
xTurnipTimex 3 years ago
Im sorry for your loss. But what about the children alchohol kills? Probably hundreds more! This was a freak accident, and the music, emotion and pictures are there to manipulate us into think consumer fireworks are basically the devils work. Alchohol is much worse.
gupnup 3 years ago 5
its so sad what happened. even though i love fireworks i feel really bad for this boy. that prouduct should be off the market forever.
smitty268 3 years ago
Hear the gentle rolling piano? The gentle panning across the innocent face of a child? Notice how it sensually shifts into a minor melody as Dad understandably shows his emotions? It makes me sick to think we have stooped to manipulating the public with emotion instead of reason. This video: A cold-blooded tactic to get citizens hot-blooded over fireworks. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Shannon. It is just for us all to pay for our own mistakes. You are about to make us all pay for yours.
raiden098 3 years ago 18
If I had a dime for every maudlin tale on videotape involving beer and a car, I would buy my own country. If you want to convince me why one should cease his harmless hobby on the account of the freak accident or the vapid moron, convince me why one shouldn't drive. Government is here to protect us from each other, not ourselves. I am sick and tired of this righteous crusade for a nanny state. Educate, don't legislate you fools.
raiden098 3 years ago 5
What are Consumer Fireworks?
Duvmasta 3 years ago
fireworks that are avalible for public,tha ones you find in stores all over. they are legal and they are supposed to be tested as safe and if not they will not be sold inn the store.
ajlisknillat 3 years ago
in the us its fireworks that have been regulated by or government and sold to civilans
mcfartard 2 years ago
I cant even think of somthing to say...all I can think of is sorry for your loss...
lolley1100 3 years ago 2
Thank you for your properly worded and grammatically correct reply.
Mark72188 3 years ago 3
sorry for your loss
marquellcarlos 3 years ago 2
CPSC fishes for "ban fireworks!" stories...But as has been said...Fireworks are not going away whether you ban them or not. The question is whether they will adhere to the regulations. They also didn't mention that the stability requirement for cakes are more stringent since this incident.
The fact is that fireworks are seen as "exotic" and thus easy targets for bans. Despite the fact that you are far more likely to be killed by the other more ordinary things like a stray golf ball.
flyingfish555 3 years ago 7
You are also must adhere to the directions. "Place on flat, level ground" should at least be followed as a minimum requirement. Ideally the thing should be braced or partially buried. It is a lack of knowing how to deal with fireworks, and in most cases also a lack of responsibility that contributes to accidents. And why people put body parts over mortars is beyond me. I always use the analogy that they are standing over a MLB fastball that explodes after it hits you...
flyingfish555 3 years ago 7
People wear special glasses that make fireworks look very evil, and continue to wear those glasses until fireworks disappear.
The popular idea, perticularly here in british columbia, is highly controlling and at the same time generalizing. Not a good thing.
They demonize fireworks and outright lie about them to fuel public hate, then they cite incidents like kids hitting eachother in the eye with roman candles. it's a lot of bullshit, but people in BC Buy it and blindly believe it.
MDHmodder 3 years ago 2
This really peeves me. Unfortunate? Yes. Unavoidable? Yes. The mother makes the stupid statement "I wish that we could've done something to take him out of harm's way" Well, you could've been at a safe distance. Consumer fireworks are safe when done 'PROPERLY'. It's people that don't take them seriously and stand right in front of them, get injured or worse and now because of their irresponsibility they want to take all fireworks off of the market. Distance is always the safety key, here folks.
kevorama1965 3 years ago 6
I'm Really sorry for your loss
slaminq 3 years ago 4
One night we were shooting of fireworks and it tipped over and almost burn't down our tree and house.
scottelientk 3 years ago
"We assumed if a product is on the market, it would be safe."
Haha, wow.....Safe is a relative term, and since you ignored safety measures, YOU got your son killed!
Using your logic, I guess lamps are just as unsafe. Someone can strangle you with the cord! Or maybe lets ban paint, because if you sniff it you will get brain damage. But wait, this is not using it properly! Same goes for your fireworks display. A product is just a product; it gets its safety from the person using it.
Mark72188 3 years ago 7
Or alcohol. I cited this one in an argument with someone in my city (nanaimo) who desperately wanted fireworks banned. She got really pissy.
MDHmodder 3 years ago
A ban on the sale/private use of fireworks will only result in a healthy blackmarket in fireworks of unknown origin which may not comply to any safety standards whatsoever which would only end up with more casulaties/fatalities. It's alright saying leave it to the professionals but if you ban consumer fireworks you end up with illegal trade and sale of unsafe lethal potentially deadly fireworks to the the public. Fireworks when used properly according to instructions do NOT cause problems.
AnthonyUK 3 years ago 23
no kidding, I once met a kid who got M80s from a skatebowl. He was responsible with them himself but he gave me one. I opened it and discovered they were using hypochlorites from pool tablets. NOT good.
MDHmodder 3 years ago
@AnthonyUK In my country fireworks are banned
ongchorcool 3 months ago
Bein a fireworks buyer myself when we were little my dad would usually just buy the bottle rockets, sky rockets, firecrackers and maybe fountains and spinners. We started buying aerial repeaters as I got a little older but it wasn't until hearing stories of them tipping over on the news that we used bricks around all our aerial stuff to make it safer.
Viper2734 3 years ago
Some people won't brace their fireworks from tipping over because some of them come with a stand. If I get a firework that is built onto a stand I still don't take the chance and will put bricks around it.
Viper2734 3 years ago
I wouldn't say they didn't know how to use fireworks, how many consumers thought of putting bricks around aerial fireworks? On the directions they wouldn't tell people to, they would just say to put it on a flat hard level surface, the directions on fireworks never told people to put bricks around them althought a trained professional who uses more powerful lifting fireworks would have probably known enough to do it.
Viper2734 3 years ago
I would say that the moral from this is if watching fireworks, stand really far back. So far that even if one does fire horizontally, it won't reach the crowd. If you can't maintain that distance, then don't buy the fireworks in the first place.
tvargan 3 years ago
once again sorry for your loss but that is why you should hire a professional i believe you said forty feet well the recomended distance for 1.4 consumer fireworks is 100 ft and remember A.B.C. always brace cakes and keep a safe distance.
biggunn770 3 years ago
The companies who make fireworks should put into consideration how the fireworks are going to be used by people... what is their appeal? Can someone take a firework and use it this way like a gun? How does the price and effect appeal to a mass audience and how can that lead to the abuse of a perticular item in some way?
MDHmodder 3 years ago
Airbags are designed to save people becasue they are safe. But they can also kill people. Just because something is on the market doesnt mean it is safe. If you buy plastic trash bags on the market, it doesnt mean that a 4 year old cant die from them. Sorry but that somment that because fireworks are sold on the market should mean they are safe was as arrogant as you letting your little boy be that close fireworks. Every firework is dangerous, that is common sense.
MilitaryPolice1986 3 years ago
Sorry For your loss. But unfortunately you had to learn the hard way how dangerous fireworks are. I would be considered a Professional. If you dont realize fireworks are deadly from 40 feet away then you SHOULDNT be using them. Just because YOU made a mistake doesnt mean the people who are being safe (like those of us who dont let a 4 year stand that close to aerial fireworks) should be punished. Like your video says Leave fireworks to the professionals. Dont be stupid. Take every precaution.
MilitaryPolice1986 3 years ago
sorry for your loss, but a baseball at a baseball game could have done the same thing....
pigfrogg 3 years ago 4
sorry for your loss guys
but yea
if you dont know how to use fireworks
then just dont buy them
XxsillyseanxX 4 years ago 2
although your loss is really sad, people should have a choice between going to a fireworks display or buying consumer fireworks
if a choice is taken away from us it can anger people and take away our right to fireworks
ElectricBam 4 years ago 4
your loss is really sad
but i think fireworks should be legal as long as people are safe with them. some states are banning consumer fireworks and some of the people are furious
i think people should have a choice with consumer fireworks. people should know the dangers but they shouldnt be banned
ElectricBam 4 years ago 2
well then the people who use them are stupid...
jldmotocross 4 years ago
You people are idiots. You deserve your pain'
rodsabendin 4 years ago
Your loss is sda, but this absurd propaganda that all fireworks should be banned because of your loss is pathetic.
rodsabendin 4 years ago
When the CPSC does their anti fireworks conventions they should have a professional pyrotechnician there telling and showing people how to use the class C fireworks in a safer manner because fireworks and other things in life aren't completely safe. In states that legalize most or all consumer fireworks, have a pyrotechnician hold a class showing how to safely use them.
RollingRock24 4 years ago
There is an expectation in our society that government will not allow us to do or buy something that is dangerous. Sadly, that is not always the case.
Your idea is a good one. Education helps and combined with a permitting process it would certainly help the fire department and local authorities ensure that those that do use fireworks do so safely and responsibly.
StarLitePyro 4 years ago
Not everyone actually thinks to put bricks around aerial fireworks but with all kinds of reports of aerial fireworks tipping over the people that run these anti fireworks conventions should also be telling people that if they light aerial display fireworks if it's legal or not in their state to atleast warn the people to use bricks around them and to have them on a flat level surface such as plywood if they only have a grass area.
RollingRock24 4 years ago
Our sincere condolences. As a professional pyrotechnician I agree that there is not adequate warning to the public.
ALL accidents involving fireworks are due to human error. Handling fireworks is far more dangerous than driving a car or jumping out of a plane, yet the government does very little to convey this message to the public. The consumer should be required to obtain a permit for ANY fireworks display so the safety precautions required as well as the dangers involved are clear.
StarLitePyro 4 years ago
Oh so just because an accident happened to your son you have to ban fireworks for everyone?
Driving a car isnt safe, walking isnt safe, NOTHINGS TECHNICALLY SAFE-- the person who was lighting that mortar or rocket was the PERSON not PERSONS responsible for your sons death.
Millions of people each year celebrate safely with consumer fireworks including myself. Along with proper use there are accidents, which are caused by the person(s) themselves or just plain bad luck.
Jsmooth7444 4 years ago 4
OOhhh i felt like i was going to cry...
Rest in peace Michael.
Be Safe With fireworks !!!
ExtremeFireRisk 4 years ago
The minimum safe distance for Consumer Fireworks is 150-200 Feet. I am surprised it hasn't been mandated to be labeled as such by now.
tennespeedy 4 years ago 2
I had a state cop in my town one year lighting state banned class C fireworks on the 4th of July lol. In some towns the local cops don't bother people for lighting them off. I noticed that even if it has rained out they bother people alot less but theres not much to worry about when the ground is wet.
RollingRock24 4 years ago
I'm from CT too, I think it's a joke that people are charged as criminals for possessing other consumer fireworks besides fountains. The federal government allows all consumer fireworks to be bought and sold in the United States and the people should have a right to buy them. The states that ban consumer fireworks give people a criminal record when even the federal government doesn't give a shit who buys and uses fireworks as long as they are class C consumer.
RollingRock24 4 years ago 2
I avoid the saturn battery missle fireworks. I had a 100 shot battery missle one year, it's like 100 bottle rocket tops in a square box flying up one after another. One bottle rocket top didn't even fly into the air, it flew up out of the box a few inches and then shot across horizontal, luckily not in our direction. The more powerful repeaters have a better thrust to propel the shells into the air.
RollingRock24 4 years ago 2
You could take all the precautions but you might have a neighbor that doesn't! We take as many precautions as we can and my neighbor lights their fireworks and they stand just a few feet from them, they don't even put bricks around their fireworks.
RollingRock24 4 years ago 2
Even if you take all the safety precautions I agree with what someone else on here said, freak things can happen with fireworks.
RollingRock24 4 years ago 2
On the 4th of july people also drink, they don't belong operating a car and certainly shouldn't be lighting fireworks if they are drunk. If a firework doesn't go off leave it alone for awhile, don't be quick to approach it to see what happend, fireworks can probably take over 5 minutes to go off.
RollingRock24 4 years ago
yeah. I don't see people trying to ban alcohol. Except georgians.
MDHmodder 3 years ago
I still have friends that hold roman candles in their hands. I always place those in a empty mortar tube and light them. I've seen roman candles that as soon as the fireball came out, didn't even make it into the air and blew up or the candles can backfire. People should also wear safety glasses that they sell at sporting goods stores and maybe even leather gloves when lighting fireworks.
RollingRock24 4 years ago
Another thing people need to know is that the re-loadable mortar tubes, a kid was severly injured by one and lucky he didn't get killed. After each mortar shell the tube becomes hot and you need to let it cool down, the kid didn't know this and neither does many other people, he went to load in another shell, the tube was so hot from lighting other shells that when he loaded in another the shell fired on it's own without even lighting the fuse and hit him.
RollingRock24 4 years ago
Thats why you are never supposed th put your face over any tube. Assume the worst can happen at all times. Thats how you stay safe.
MilitaryPolice1986 3 years ago
That's horrible, I think the news talked about this a few years ago or it was another kid that was killed from a firework tipping over. I always place the fireworks on a piece of plywood or flat conrete ground and then put bricks around all sides of the aerial firework to hold it in place. Even if a consumer firework multi shot item has it's own stand I still place bricks around it.
RollingRock24 4 years ago
I hope to save someone's child.
Brace all cakes with bricks and tape the mortar tubes to a flat board.Load the mortar correctly. Bottle rockets 20oz coke bottle filled with water(not sand). Sky Rockets gallon milk jug filled with water. water so the jug won't tip. Roman Candles use a boat road holder and put it in the ground to hold the candles. Hold in your hand and never move your wrist. Fountains braced also. Please try this at home. Thank you.
tiswolfdan 4 years ago 2
Never hold Roman Candles in your hand. Use the boat rod holder Wal-Mart sporting goods
$2.88. Bury it in the ground deep enough so it won't move around. Sparklers are the most dangerous firework by far. If you move your wrist you will get burned. I am beyond an expert in fireworks safety. Please try this at home.
Thank You.
tiswolfdan 4 years ago
sorry
Biohazardousbunny 4 years ago
sad i`m really sorry about your loss
websiteguru 4 years ago
There are a lot of videos on You Tube of people using fireworks illegally- making their own stuff, throwing them etc. This is very dangerous, and is also criminal behaviour. These videos should not be encouraged, or promoted on this site.
wizlop 4 years ago 4
Ahah get over it, YouTube is worth alot, nobody is removing them
TheSkylineShopVancou 4 years ago
making pyrotechnics is a fast growing hobbie by many people. it isnt illegal as long as you follow state laws.
ElectricBam 4 years ago 2
That's sad. ♥
almostdead28 4 years ago 2
dats messed up i feel sorry for the family
bigtman111 4 years ago
sad or what
ahallii 4 years ago
me 2
ipodtexan72 4 years ago
Very sad story. This is a prime example of why Americans should be required to pass a simple safety class before purchasing and discharging consumer fireworks. "ABCM" Always Brace Cakes & Mortars.
cpkrk 4 years ago
Exactly- I fully agree, the same should be applied in the UK. We have a rather out of date "Fireworks Code" and posters saying Under 18s can't buy fireworks, but that is all.
tvargan 4 years ago
I've too always liked the safety class idea! Perhaps an adaption for fireworks of the boating or hunting safety classes. I wonder how hard it would be to set something like that up? I also agree that the message "Always Brace Cakes & Mortars" (ABCM) is something that people should be informed about before purchasing those items. It's not rocket science (or is it?), but alot of people seem to need those safety tips.
flyingfish555 4 years ago
Sad indeed, the fact remains that you could substitute any consumer item in place of fireworks and the results could be the same. Freak accidents can happen almost anywhere, anytime. There's no doubt fireworks can be dangerous. However, so can bikes, skateboards, contact sports, etc and almost any other item used wrong can be. While this story is tragic, he probably wasn't following the directions as stated on the package. (Place on hard ground. Light fuse and get away)
supdawg12 4 years ago
Yeah its a sad story, but these are some of the many people who are trying as best as they can to get rid of fireworks. The media kills everything. Cars, knives, guns, machines, poisonous chemicals and household solvents have a MUCH higher injury rate than fireworks. Why not ban those instead?
TrickerD 4 years ago
Agree- the mass of videos on You Tube with people behaving dangerously with fireworks doesn't help.
wizlop 4 years ago
NFPA 1123 clearly states that a safe distance of 70 feet per inch of mortar diameter should be maintained. That figures out to 122.5 feet not 40 feet, this is an accident that would not have happened if proper safe practices were followed. I am sorry for their loss but their crusade is misguided. They should be pushing for education not prohibition.
whozzyodaddy 4 years ago
Fireworks don't need to be illegal - users need to be smarter. A summary of the relevant parts of 1123 should be a mandatory handout at 1.4G stands. Many people simply don't understand the potential of products so easily obtained.
vx0 4 years ago
thats why i put spikes into the ground thru the base attached to the mortar tube. yes i am a pyro
AirForce194 4 years ago
I agree, While I feel terrible for this family. It all boils down to SAFETY. That one word goes a long way in preventing tragedy like this. KNOW YOUR SURROUNDINGS!!
AdamV92 4 years ago
this story is indeed tragic, but the answer is not banning consumer products, dont blame the fireworks, blame the careless idiot who allowed a three year old to use a consumer firework, indeed it is a legal product, but if they had read the warning lable they would have know not to let a child use it, gees, everyone needs something or someone to blame when something bad happens.
DAltar 4 years ago
THATS IT!!! IM THROUGH!! I LIVE IN WINDSOR ON AND ON JUNE 25 THEY HAVE FIREWORKS AND IM NEVER GOING THERE AGAIN! wait a minute.. the light them in detroit, across the river, so im safe
slovakchik 4 years ago
So companies should make fireworks safer, and the government should educate people on the safe use of fireworks and get rid of the dangerous ones like the shells that you can reload in the large tubes. That is the one that killed the boy. So just ban those ones instead of banning all fireworks which will cause people to illegaly obtain fireworks.
Xplodz 4 years ago
Mortars are not dangerous if used properly. If you use them on grass, Prop it with a Cinder Block. On a hard surface. Do the same if it is windy out. We don't need to ban them, just excercise more saftey.
AdamV92 4 years ago
One canadian fireworks company invented a safer version of the bottle rockets on a stick. Instead of putting the rocket in a bottle where it could randomly fly and hit a child or person in the eye, the rocket is manufactured in a small carboard tube that guides the rocket upwards and if the tube is pointed below 45 degrees, the rocket wont light. This prevents people from shooting them at eachother or holding it in their hands.
Xplodz 4 years ago
Banning fireworks will only result in people illegally obtaining dangerous exploses such as real m80s, cherry bombs, and quarter sticks. Instead of banning them, the public should be educated on how to safely use fireworks and stricter rules should be enforced to get permits for the higher powered aerial consumer fireworks.
Xplodz 4 years ago 2
There will always be little kids getting killed in some type of accidents, you can't stop them from happening.
chicks123 4 years ago
I deeply feel for these people and it's devastating anytime an accident like this kills a child. With that said I think this has no bearing on firework safety. She said that she "assumed consumer fireworks were safe". That's just an incorrect assumption. Much like assuming that an automobile is safe and that it cannot kill somebody. I don't see anyone rallying that we should ban automobiles even though thousands die everyyear from their malfunctioning
quisp2112 4 years ago
I completely agree, but an automobile has a variety of safety features built into it. You need to pass a test to prove you know how to operate it. There is no such safety requirements for fireworks except for blurbage that says something about "light fuse and run like hell."
tonebenderx 4 years ago
My point was that if these parents were lighting fireworks powerful enough to kill a child and they had a child in close enough proximity that he was killed they are largely to blame. They should have realized the unpredictable nature of all fireworks and kept their kid far enough away. My point is that things don't always function the way that they were designed regardless of any safety features that were build in. This is undoubtedly a worst case scenario.
quisp2112 4 years ago
quisp: I agree, they shouldn't have had their child near it in the 1st place...I feel horrible for the parents, but they should have practiced better parenting skills.
hugored77 4 years ago
There are "built in" safety requirements for fireworks. Example: "12 degree tilt rule" for cakes (multi-shot items). It's possible that this happened before the rule was instated (or the device slipped through). But I agree with the "ABCM" - always brace cakes and mortars. If you can't follow this rule, you have no business using fireworks. This accident was a tragic example of WHY. I would also have the audience further away.
flyingfish555 4 years ago
Yes people have to pass a test yet people die in car accidents every year due to negligence. So what makes people think that educating people on fireworks will change the way they use them.
MilitaryPolice1986 3 years ago
If every thing that can cause injury or death to a human was regulated more than it is now this country will no longer be FREE as so many people say it is. Having your kid killed by a freak accident has got to be an awful,painful experience and I dont think anyone would trade places with you, but please dont get on the bandwagon to outlaw one more of our few freedoms left. PyroTech for 8years
blastbud 4 years ago
Its a one in a million accident that it tipped and struck his head. I'll be honest.
dstafford90 4 years ago
Just like guns fireworks dont kill people - PEOPLE KILL PEOPLE!!! And No Matter what fireworks are fireworks, anything with the word fire in it shouldn't be handled by kids.
dstafford90 4 years ago
Believer in the #1 Cause of pointless war ^
skypelt 4 years ago
I hate when people blame the fireworks
CODmusk 4 years ago
One cannot assume that because a product on the market, it is safe. Some vehicles are basically rolling death traps if you get in any sort of accident. With fireworks certain procedures must be taken to reduce risk.
JargonsFury 4 years ago
Stupidity? How are the parents "stupid"? I'd love to see how you explain this obviously well thought-out conclusion.
tonebenderx 4 years ago
well the fireworks have warnings on them seriously. if you have common sense. you put it on flat level ground, light it and run the hell away. its really not that hard. if they would have used common sense!
StephenPetersen 4 years ago
yup
lostsoul436 4 years ago
well he was 40 feet away!!!!!! You should blame the firework not the person don't blame the kid or the adult i mean it was the faulty firework
eliteturtle123 4 years ago
the point is, the firework didnt just randomly tip over. they must have put it on ground that wasnt level or something like that.
StephenPetersen 4 years ago
on the fourth of the july my neighbor was lighting bottle rockets the rocket was pointing straight up but it went up about three feet up then went side-ways into sombodies yard
eliteturtle123 4 years ago
WASNT a faulty firework i mean.
StephenPetersen 4 years ago
First of all. when a mortar fires, it goes over 100 feet in the air before detonation. so 40 feet away is ignorance on the parents part. I keep my kids behind a car when I use them for just that reason. They need to look up, not at the Mortar.
AdamV92 4 years ago
Did the people who are condemning the family even watch the video? It clearly states that the boy and his father were about 50 feet from the fireworks which if we are to believe the directions on the devices is a "safe" distance. And if I'm not mistaken the firework that killed the little boy was defective - and later taken off the market. So I ask you again, why are people here blaming the family and suggesting that fireworks are inherently "safe"?
tonebenderx 4 years ago
The device still tipped over partly due to lack of proper procedure. Only difference is, it was more vulnerable to tipping, because it wasn't screened by the "12 degree test": cakes are now required to be tilted 12 degrees from the horizontal and not tip over. I feel very sorry for the family and don't think they were "stupid", but I still think too much blame is being placed on the fireworks themselves. I encourage lighters of fireworks to seek a thourough understanding of fireworks safety.
flyingfish555 4 years ago
Of course, so nobody gets confused, cakes should be level when you light them; the 12 degree thing is only how they test them for the tendency to tip over while firing.
flyingfish555 4 years ago
I'll tell you why, So the company can avoid bigger Lawsuits.. It is a public relations issue for the company. We did not see the firework so we can not define defective. It would seem easier for the company to discontinue it rather than be shut down..
AdamV92 4 years ago
Even if you think that a safe product is on the market dont let you choldren play with fireworks even if its so called safe
MrHairyNutz 4 years ago
SO sorry for your loss...what a beautiful child! My heart goes out to you and your family. A tragic loss that should have never happened. I hope you have been able to find some comfort in eachother and know that he is watching over you. God Bless and please don't give a moments thought to the rude people on here that have said mean things...they obviously have no brain.
JMC01644 4 years ago
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. You must account for recoil when you shoot a golf ball sized projectile at ~80 mph (let this be a lessen in golf as well :). Everything must be level and well secured. Also note that vibrations from one tube can knock over another if they are on the same board and not secured to prevent this (typically I bury mine halfway into the ground). It's when you get sloppy with safety or don't use common sense that tradgedies like this happen.
flyingfish555 4 years ago
That's true;roman candles should be buried half way up,multishot cakes should be placed on flat level hard ground or wooden boards on flat level hard ground,fountains should also be placed on flat level hard ground,fountain start mines should be placed on a hard surface and rockets should be fired from appropriate launchers.
AnthonyUK 4 years ago
so wrong
animalcrossingfan1 4 years ago
dummie u added a message
animalcrossingfan1 4 years ago
dummie it was a little kid
animalcrossingfan1 4 years ago
omg....
KageOukami 4 years ago
May your son rest in peace and your pain subside...my heart goes out to you. People need to use common sense when using any item that sends out a projectile...having your "audience" back a safe distance is rule #1!
mitercut 4 years ago
I hope you never experience the pain of losing a family memeber so tragiclly Siretalota.
snapelover77 4 years ago
me either
animalcrossingfan1 4 years ago
Weren't making fun of them. I live in the UK where consumer fireworks are regulated and all comply to BS7114:2:1988,if you follow the instructions properly and set them off correctly they're fine. Basic misuse ie not burying/securing before lighting where necessary etc leads to misfiring and injuries NOT proper sensible safe use.
AnthonyUK 4 years ago
Fireworks are explosives, albeit small. One should always be aware of all the hazards before lighting the fuse. If you aren't....you could be in for a big surprise. No one ever said they were completely safe!
lochinvar00465 4 years ago
Well that was back in 1991 and that was 16 yers ago I am pretty sure that since the technology has been growing it is highly unlikely to happen again It's just god wanted him at an early age. R.I.P. kid R.I.P.
bannanaface562 4 years ago
ugh eave it to the professionals fireworks arent fun unless you do them yourself those parents must of done something wrong because they dont just do wid things for no reason
iwasnt76 4 years ago
That's sad.. I feel REALLY bad for them... poor people, and poor kid...
BarbWireDemonEX 4 years ago
i feel realy bad it is so sad and i love fire works to
and wai kind of firework was it
penut57 4 years ago
I'm so sorry for what you have gone through. I cannot imagine the horror of losing a child. I'd like to say a special word to those who have made disrespectful/rude comments about your heartfelt desire to spare others from the grief you are now having to live with. How mean-spirited and totally thoughtless can some people be regarding this or any such terrible tragedy. Thank you for sharing your story and warning with others. May God comfort you in your loss.
nanamom4 4 years ago
I havent been nasty;I was only explaining the truth of what would happen if fireworks are banned from retail sale/private use;a healthy blackmarket in dubious dodgy dangerously lethal fireworks would sell to the public taking over from legal trade with tragic consequences from these potentially lethal fireworks to the users.
AnthonyUK 4 years ago
Illegal fireworks should not be used in public areas. But that does not mean fireworks should be banned everywhere.
TheAzureLight 4 years ago
Also if fireworks are banned you get the trade sale and use of even more dangerous unregulated lethal and possibly deadly import fireworks of dubious quality construction and safety through the blackmarket with tragic results to the users.
AnthonyUK 4 years ago