Teenager loses hand in firework accident

A 16-year-old youth has lost a hand following a fireworks explosion in a garage in Co Antrim.

Drew Peden, whose father, Andrew, had both his legs amputated after a UVF punishment shooting in 1998, was treated in hospital after the explosion, which happened at around 9.30pm on Sunday at Garron Heights, Carrickfergus.

The victim’s mother, Linda Peden said her son had lost a hand in the incident.

‘‘This is every mother’s nightmare,’’ she said. ‘‘The whole family are totally devastated and are just waiting for news as he is in theatre at the moment.

‘‘We just cannot believe what has happened. His father has no legs and can’t do everything for himself and now Drew has lost his hand, it’s just horrible.

‘‘Drew was a wee lad who would do everything for his father so it’s heartbreaking that this should happen to him.’’

She added: ‘‘He was in the garage with normal red fireworks, he must have been experimenting and taking them apart, when they blew up, it was a tragic accident.’’

A very distressed Mrs Peden said fireworks should be banned after what had happened to her son.

‘‘They should not be allowed to be sold. I would tell people not to touch or even to buy them,’’ she said.

‘‘You know kids, you tell them not to mess around with dangerous things, but you cannot stop them.’’