The family attorney for an 11-year-old boy hit in the chest by a firework at the KGB Sky Show says the fireworks company could bear ultimate responsibility for the child’s injuries.
Saturday night, the annual KBG fireworks show capped off a San Diego State football victory against Idaho at Qualcomm Stadium.
But while most in the stadium had their gazed at the sky, one section quickly had their attention diverted by a scary, split-second misfire from the field.
“One witness seems to recount something appeared to catch fire and fall over,” said the family’s attorney Robert Cartwright Jr. “Another witness just felt like part of the rocket launcher fell over and one of the rockets was launched into the audience.”
The firework exploded into the Field Level Section 9. It ignited the sweatshirt of the 11-year-old boy, who was visiting with his family from Orange County.
Local
The boy was left with first and second degree burns to his arms and ears, according to Cartwright.
“His stepfather leaned over with his bare arms to try and put the flames out and burned himself in the process. He also had some burns on his forearms. The mother was horribly traumatized to see her 11-year old son catching fire” said Cartwright.
The boy’s mother took him to paramedics at the stadium, and according to his attorney did not return to his seat - contrary to some media reports.
He was also treated by doctors at an Orange County hospital the following day, Cartwright told NBC 7. He is expected to make a full recovery.
The company running the fiery display was Pyro Spectaculars, based near San Bernardino. Its resume includes Super Bowls and Olympics shows.
NBC 7 has emailed the company’s attorney but has not heard back.
“Everyone involved could potentially have some legal responsibility, but primarily it’s the people in charge of the fireworks and they have a duty legally to exercise extreme care when dealing with dangerous materials like this” said Cartwright.
