
July 4 fireworks turned deadly for a South Carolina man who reportedly placed a firework on his head to show off, as per officials. The sheriff's office confirmed to People website that the man died after the firework exploded. According to a news release, the incident happened in Summerville, South Carolina, on Thursday around 10:23 pm local time. Dorchester County Sheriff's Office said the officers arrived at the scene and saw a man lying in a roadway with injuries.
Witnesses told the officers that fireworks had caused the injuries. The coroner's report also confirmed the same and identified the victim as 41-year-old Allen Ray McGrew. McGrew “ignited a large firework device and set it upon his head," as per the report.
“The device exploded while on top of his head causing massive head injuries. Mr. McGrew was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:10 pm by the coroner.”
The victim's wife, Paige McGrew, as per the incident report, called it an accidental death. The couple was having a block party and Allen started drinking after 6 pm.
“Paige advised she observed Allen place a firework on his head, which she believes was done to show off. Paige advised she was trying to tell Allen not to do that when the firework went off and she observed Allen collapse,” the report states.
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Talking to The Post and Courier newspaper, Paige said that her husband was holding the firework over his top hat. Allen was due to turn 42 in less than a month and the couple has a son who is set to be married soon. The Dorchester County Sheriff's Office said it is investigating the incident.
July 4 celebrations see several firework-related incidents in the US. As per reports, at least four fireworks-related fatalities happened due to the celebrations.