A 10-year-old girl suffered devastating injuries after an illegal M-80 firecracker exploded in her hand at a Staten Island park, while a New York City Parks Department employee has been charged in connection with the incident.
The explosion occurred Tuesday evening at General Douglas MacArthur Park in Dongan Hills, where police say the child had found the firework in a nearby field and was trying to get someone to help her light it. According to authorities and court documents, 24-year-old Parks Department employee Joshua Moe allegedly provided the girl with a lighter that she then used to ignite the M-80.
The firework exploded, causing severe injuries to the girl’s left hand. Court documents indicate that she lost parts of at least one finger and suffered additional injuries, including a laceration to her right hand and burns to her left hand, right arm and torso. She was transported to Staten Island University Hospital North for treatment and is expected to require further plastic and physical therapy.
Police arrested Moe shortly after the incident. He was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and reckless endangerment. According to the criminal complaint, Moe acknowledged giving the child the lighter and told investigators that he had not expected the situation to end in such serious injuries.
Moe was arraigned Wednesday and released under supervision. The Staten Island District Attorney’s Office said the charges are not eligible for bail under New York State law.
The incident has renewed concerns over the dangers posed by illegal fireworks, particularly when they are accessible to children. M-80-type explosives can cause severe burns, traumatic hand injuries and permanent disability, making the Staten Island case a stark reminder of the potentially devastating consequences of mishandling fireworks.
