FULLERTON – A 50-year-old man lost several fingers on his left hand and suffered a large gash to his torso but was in stable condition after a “mortar-style” firework exploded in his hands, police said.

Officers were called to investigate reports of fireworks exploding in the 700 block of E. Walnut Street around 2 a.m. Wednesday, Sgt. Kevin Craig said.

The man was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange. “The gash to his torso was non-life-threatening,” Craig said.

Anyone with information about the incident was asked to call Fullerton police at 714-738-6800. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227).

Contact the writer: 714-796-7802 or jsudock@scng.com