Warning: this article contains graphic footage that some viewers may find distressing.
Watching your favorite sports team clinch a victory brings a rush of pure joy, and fans have various ways to celebrate these moments.
Some might enjoy a pint at the pub with friends post-game, while others may choose to extend the festivities, reveling in a crucial win that sets their team on the right track.
However, setting off fireworks to commemorate a victory is an unusual approach, as demonstrated by a Dodgers fan who celebrated their World Series MLB win over the New York Yankees in such a manner.
Although bonfire night is approaching, this risky action proved perilous, as the Dodgers fan learned firsthand.
Footage that went viral depicted a fan, later identified as a 25-year-old man, wearing a No. 22 jersey with ‘King’ inscribed on the back.
The fan was seen carrying a lit firework across a downtown LA crosswalk, seemingly to mark his team’s 7-6 triumph over the Yankees in the World Series final on Thursday (31 October).
Unfortunately, events rapidly spiraled out of control when the firework exploded in the fan’s hand before he could place it on the ground and retreat to safety.
The abrupt detonation formed a smoke cloud, and the fan reappeared with blood streaming from his hand.
The incident caused quite a commotion in that part of Los Angeles, prompting many to approach the man to check on his well-being.
As the viral video unfolded, it quickly became evident that the man was in severe condition, with blood covering both hands.
Fragments of flesh and fingers seemed to be dislocated.
As onlookers screamed in disbelief, several bystanders rushed to assist the man and called 911 for emergency help.
Amidst the chaos, the injured Dodgers fan gazed at his hand in disbelief as the severity of his injuries became apparent.
In a statement to TMZ, the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed the fan was conscious and responsive but had sustained significant hand injuries described as ‘debilitating’.
The County of Los Angeles Fire Code prohibits storing, making, selling, using, or handling any fireworks without a valid permit in ‘unincorporated areas’ of Los Angeles.