Woman tells of fireworks accident in hopes that others will be more careful

HAYSVILLE, Kansas (KSNW) — Fourth of July fireworks will be sold in Wichita on Thursday. The tradition can quickly get out of control. One Haysville woman is thankful she can still see after setting off fireworks last summer.

Tina Mann said they always set off fireworks at their house on the Fourth of July, but that won’t be the case this year. The shock came when a firework flew into her face last summer.

The bangs of a holiday tradition turned to panic when a man was hit in the face by a firework.

“I kind of collapsed when I got out on the porch and then my family realized what had happened and they called the ambulance. It was really a scary ordeal,” she said.

Man was taken to the hospital, where she sat with others who were also injured by the fireworks.

“It was horrible and traumatic. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. It was really, really traumatic and painful for a long time,” she said.

A team of doctors was able to save her eye, but almost a year later, Mann is still on the road to recovery.

“I always have to wear sunglasses when I’m outside, even if I’m in a room with too many windows. I have to wear glasses to protect my eyes, but I can see and I’m grateful for that,” she said.

Mann believes that the greatest safety measure is for people to be aware of the damage fireworks can cause to people.

“We’ve always done fireworks and always thought it was a lot of fun. After looking at it from a bigger perspective, being in the hospital and talking to the specialist, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s just not worth the effort,” she said.

People are finding other ways to celebrate the Fourth of July this year.

“I’m suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder because of the whole ordeal, so there will be no fireworks at our house,” she said.

She is grateful that it wasn’t worse and wants to prevent other people’s fireworks fun from leading to a visit to the emergency room.

The state’s fire marshal reminds people to watch out for children and pets and to leave fireworks to adults only. He also advised having a first aid kit handy.

A complete list of safety tips can be found here.