By: Associated Press

July 1, 2016

LEESBURG, Fla. (AP) -- Authorities say a central Florida man blew his left hand off with a firework during an early Fourth of July celebration.

The Orlando Sentinel reports it happened Thursday night at a Leesburg home.

The firework was attached to a wooden stake designed to be planted in the ground and had a foil-covered ball inside that explodes after launch. Witnesses told police that Brett Demascio lit the fuse, but the spark went out. He then picked up the foil-covered ball in his left hand, lit the shortened fuse and attempted to throw it. An incident report says the firework exploded early, tearing off most of the man's hand.

Demascio was airlifted to an Ocala hospital. His updated condition wasn't available Friday.

No criminal charges were immediately filed.