Homemade Firework Accident in Central Park Leaves Tourist's Foot Blown Off, Leg Could be Amputated

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By Katherine Pine , Parent Herald Jul 04, 04:30 am

A 19-year-old student tourist, was in Manhattan's Central Park when he stepped on a homemade firework leading to the explosion of the firework which blew off his foot.

Reuters reported that the man jumped off a rock then stepped on the homemade device. Officials cleared it out that they are not looking at the case as terrorism-linked. The incident took place on the eve of the Fourth of July celebrations.

Investigators added that the object could have been made by an amateur fireworks enthusiast for the thrill of creating a loud noise and a flash. Officials also believe that the fireworks might have been left in the park for a day and have not gone off at an earlier time.

The student has been identified as Connor Golden of Fairfax, Virgina and was visiting the area with two other friends, identified as Thomas Hinds, 20, and Matthew Stabile, 18. Photographs of the injured tourist made rounds online and most of them are graphic. The man was seen being treated by emergency medical technicians on the site of the blast and his leg was visibly mangled. His left foot was also seen bandaged in other photos as emergency responders applied first aid on Golden.

Hinds shared, "I turned around and saw him on the ground with his foot bleeding. It just demolished his foot. His foot was mutilated." It is possible that his leg would be amputated and Hinds said that his friend groaned the whole time but remained conscious.

The student was taken to Bellevue Hospital and police officials said that he was undergoing surgery. He was listed under serious but stable condition. All three of the men jumped from a rock but the victim was the only one who landed on top of the homemade fireworks. The fireworks were stashed near the boulder and was out of the way of a normal traffic where people usually gather or walk.

The park remained open to visitors after the blast but officials were checking for other possible explosives in the park using dogs to detect vapor trails.