Boy, 11, killed in massive explosion after firework display goes wrong during festival

A young boy has been killed in an explosion from fireworks set off to celebrate America’s Independence Day.

Camrynn Ray McMichael, 11, had been helping set up the traditional display on July 3 - the day before the national holiday - when there was a “massive” blast.

The youngster, from Mt. Vernon, Indiana, in the US, survived the initial explosion but died of his injuries on the way to hospital.

An investigation into the tragedy is under way.

Camrynn’s mother, Kyrra Lynn, said: “He was dedicated, hard working, [on the] honour roll, and never got in trouble.

"And if he did it's because he wanted to make everyone laugh. No matter the situation he tried to be happy."

His mother, Kyrra, called him a "dream" of a boy (CEN)

Camrynn's family released pictures of him with his little sister Karmynn Louise as a tribute.

Their mum said: "He protected her like a big brother should. He's every parent's dream of a boy.

“And because boys are boys, they play with fireworks (and) he is gone. In the blink of an eye. Literally."

Sgt. Todd Ringle of the Indiana State Police said Camrynn was the only child present among a group of adults lighting the fireworks.

The youngster was helping set up fireworks when he was injured (CEN)

In a statement, Indiana State Police said: "Indiana State Police, Mt. Vernon Police and the Posey County Coroner are currently investigating a fireworks incident that claimed the life of an 11-year-old Mt. Vernon boy.

"Last night at approximately 9:42 p.m., Posey County 911 Dispatch received a call regarding a child being seriously injured from a fireworks incident at 932 N. Canal Street in Mt. Vernon. “The child died while being transported to an Evansville Hospital.

"This is an on-going investigation. An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow.

"This incident is being investigated by the Indiana State Police, Mt. Vernon Police Department, and the Posey County Coroner."

A police investigation has been launched into the incident (CEN)

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, nine people died from fireworks in the USA last year, while about 11,500 people were treated in emergency rooms for firework-related injuries.

Last year in the UK a man died after being struck by a firework while attending a vigil.

Police were called to the scene of the incident on Huddersfield Road, Oldham, on November 19.

A 52-year-old man, who has not been named, was then taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Now in an update the force has said the man sadly passed away in hospital last Friday, Manchester Evening News report.

Police said he was "injured by a firework" in an "isolated incident" near the Delph and Dobcross Cricket Club.