Two Knox County residents were seriously injured yesterday in a fireworks-related accident.
Few details have been released but according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were called out to 1100-block Bridgeport Road for two individuals who sustained hand and finger amputations as a result of lighting off a mortar.
The victims were identified only as a 22-year-old from rural Maquon and a 21-year-old from Galesburg. Both were taken to OSF St. Francis in Peoria via Life Flight for their non-life-threatening injuries.
An investigation is ongoing. Other responding agencies included London Mills Fire, Maquon Fire, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, and Farmington Police Department.
Last year in Illinois, 168 injuries were reported as a result of fireworks. 20 resulted in dismemberment or amputation injuries.
