POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – A South Florida man said one of his two sons is back home after they were injured Sunday night while playing with fireworks.
"Someone just blew their face off with a firecracker and we need an ambulance," the children's friend told a 911 dispatcher.
The incident happened about 7 p.m. Sunday at a park off Northwest 27th Avenue and Ninth Court in Pompano Beach.
Authorities said three boys, ages 8, 9, and 11, were taken by ambulance to Broward Health Medical Center.
"His whole hand is off. It was a crazy sight," the two youngest boys' father said. "I wish this on nobody, no kid, nobody, man. That's terrible, to see that."
The man said he is grateful that his 8- and 9-year-old sons are still alive after the accident.
"I just thank God, you know, (that) they're still breathing," he said.
The man said his 9-year-old son is back home after suffering burns and scars to his face and body.
But his younger son remains hospitalized while being treated for burned eyes and the loss of his right hand.
Authorities said the 11-year-old, who is also a relative, lost fingers on his right hand.
The boys' grandfather told Local 10 News reporter Layron Livingston that the boys picked up an "onion bomb" when it exploded in one of their hands.
"Watch your kids, man," the boys' father warned other parents. "Keep a close eye on them. I'm talking about every second, minute, every hour. Keep an eye on them. That's all I can say."