WALDORF, Md. — Independence Day festivities took a dangerous turn on Rosewood Drive late Friday when a firework detonated into a 52-year-old man’s leg, forcing an overnight medevac to MedStar Trauma Center.
Blast at 11:51 p.m.
Charles County 911 operators received a frantic call at 11:51 p.m. from a home in the 2000 block of Rosewood Drive. The caller—believed to be the victim’s father—reported that his son had “shot a firework at himself,” was bleeding heavily, and appeared burned. Within minutes, Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department units, Charles County EMS, and Maryland State Police Aviation Command were dispatched.
On-Scene Findings
First responders arrived to find the patient seated on the driveway, conscious but fading in and out. A burn roughly the size of a quarter marked the entry point on his right leg; deeper tissue damage was suspected. Dispatch notes describe rapid, shallow breathing, escalating pain, and signs of shock. Adding complexity, the man is diabetic—his blood sugar had spiked, and family members said he had self-administered insulin along with ibuprofen moments after the blast.
Medevac to MedStar
Given the injury’s severity and the patient’s underlying health issues, the incident commander requested an immediate helicopter evacuation. A landing zone was established at nearby John Hanson Middle School, and Trooper 2 touched down within 15 minutes. Paramedics stabilized the man with IV fluids and pain control before the six-minute flight to MedStar Washington Hospital Center’s Level I Trauma Unit, where he arrived just before 1 a.m. Saturday.
Medical Condition and Unknown Factors
As of press time, hospital officials have not released an update on the man’s condition. Investigators have yet to determine whether alcohol or other substances contributed to the accident. Charles County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Elizabeth Miller said deputies have taken witness statements and collected remnants of the device for examination. “At this point it appears accidental, but the investigation is ongoing,” she noted.
Fireworks Remain a Holiday Hazard
Maryland law allows only ground-based or handheld sparklers in most counties; aerial fireworks require a permit. Despite repeated public-safety campaigns, area hospitals report dozens of injuries each Fourth of July. Dr. Marcus Greer, an emergency physician unaffiliated with the case, called the Waldorf incident “tragically typical.”
“People assume small consumer fireworks are harmless,” Greer said. “In reality, a single mortar shell can travel upward of 150 mph and reach temperatures above 2,000 °F. Combined with alcohol or medical conditions—such as diabetes that impede healing—the risk multiplies.”
Safety Tips for the Remainder of the Season
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Leave aerial displays to professionals. Attend licensed shows rather than lighting mortars in residential areas.
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Keep a water source nearby. A garden hose or bucket can douse misfires quickly.
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Avoid loose clothing and maintain distance. Spectators should stand at least 20 feet away from launch sites.
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Monitor children and vulnerable adults. Sparklers burn hot enough to cause third-degree burns.
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Seek immediate medical care for any burn larger than a quarter. Delayed treatment increases infection risk, especially for diabetics.
Looking Ahead
The Charles County Fire Marshal’s Office urges residents to report illegal fireworks and reminds the community that violations can carry fines up to $250. Authorities expect to release more details on the Waldorf incident once the victim’s condition stabilizes and forensic analysis is complete.
For now, neighbors on Rosewood Drive are left with charred pavement and a sobering reminder: Independence Day fireworks can deliver consequences that extend long past the holiday.
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