A boy in B.C.’s Lower Mainland was hospitalized after being hit in the face by an exploding firework on Friday, according to police. The Port Moody Police Department says a caller reported a group of youths setting off fireworks near the Port Moody Recreation Complex around 8:20 p.m. Friday. Attending officers were “surprised” to find a 12-year-old boy had been struck by a firework set off by one of his friends, police said in a statement Monday. Police say his injuries were not life-threatening. The incident was deemed accidental and the youth who set off the firework was given a $500 ticket, they added. “This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers of fireworks being set off by those who have no business doing so,” Sgt. Sam Zacharias said, in the statement. “Our city’s bylaws are clear: fireworks are prohibited year-round and can only be set off if a permit has been obtained through Port Moody Fire Rescue.” The department says fireworks-related calls typically increase in October and warned those caught violating city bylaws may have their fireworks seized and receive a ticket.
