SAN BERNARDINO – (INT) – Police have disclosed that an 8-year-old boy was fatally injured by an errant firework during a July 4th block party.

The device tipped over after being ignited on South San Carlo Avenue and struck the boy, police Capt. Adam Affrunti told the San Bernardino Sun Thursday.

There have been no arrests and authorities did not say if there were witnesses. But the available facts will be presented to the District Attorney’s office.

Law enforcement and fire officials had pressed the public on the dangers of fireworks. Fines for possessing and detonating illegal fireworks had been doubled in many cities and unincorporated areas. Yet in the weeks leading up to the Fourth of July, neighborhoods throughout the Metro area resounded with explosions and skies were filled with aerial displays.

Neither San Bernardino police, the county fire department or the coroner issued any public statements about the fatal incident before Captain Affrunti made the disclosure to a reporter.

Authorities are increasingly reluctant to report fatal incidents and identify juveniles because of their age.

Story Date: July 23, 2021