Kate Dennett for Mailonline
Release time: 16:22 EST, November 3, 2021 | Update time: November 3, 2021 16:22 EST
A teenager's thumb was almost blown off and a 25-pound firework suspended by a string exploded in his hand, causing serious burns to his body.
Rio Diveney, a 16-year-old from Mooreside, Greater Manchester, suffered burns to his chest, arms and abdomen after igniting gunpowder in a 25-pound rocket.
He had to insert the pin into his thumb before he could sew it back into his hand. After the accident, his hand split from the middle.
The terrible incident happened after friends in Rio recovered a rocket that failed to explode.
Rio Diveney, a 16-year-old from Mooreside, Greater Manchester, suffered burns to his chest, arms and abdomen after lighting the gunpowder in a £25 firework.
His 37-year-old father Ricky explained: “They took the rocket apart, there was gunpowder in it, Rio went there and decided to light it.”
"But it exploded immediately, damaging his hands and ruining his clothes."
Ricky added: "The doctor said he was lucky, his hand was not completely blown off, and the fireworks were very powerful."
Rio was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital by the mother of a friend, and he was later transferred to Wythenshawe Burns Unit for further treatment.
The teenager talked about his ordeal as part of the "Bang Out of Order" campaign of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS).
Rio, who is currently doing a joinery apprenticeship, said: "A friend of mine said he had this firework and he took it outside. I thought it was just an ordinary firework.
"I took it to the corner of the street to light it, and it exploded. It didn't make normal noises like fireworks."
Rio is an avid football player who served as a winger in the Tameside Sunday League team Manor FC. He warned other young people and children that if someone offers them fireworks, please don't accept their fireworks.
He had to insert a pin into his thumb. The thumb was suspended by a thread before he could sew it back into his hand. His hand split from the middle after the accident.
The terrible incident happened after friends in Rio recovered a rocket that failed to explode. Pictured: Rio’s chest, arms and abdomen were burned after the incident
He said: "As a family, we usually don't have our own fireworks. We participate in organized shows. I will never mess with fireworks again.
"I am very lucky. I may have completely lost my hand or the right to use it, but I was told that I will regain all the right to use it."
Rio was a student of Chadton Newman RC Academy. He hopes to return to work and play football as soon as possible.
The teenager is undergoing physiotherapy for several weeks before he can make the most of his hands and is currently unable to attend college as part of his apprentice joinery.
Rio added: "I can't do anything — my dad has to do everything for me. I'm right-handed, which prevents me from doing most things.
"I'm very lucky. The doctor said that I might have lost my first finger, my thumb. They said it might be my face. The stitches might be my heart-the situation might be much worse than it is now.
"If someone brings you fireworks, please think twice and say no, because this is something that can happen."
At the time of the incident, GMFRS urged the public to stay safe on the night of the campfire.
GMFRS works with partner agencies including the Greater Manchester Police Service (GMP) and Northwest Ambulance Service (NWAS) to call on the public to carefully consider their actions and support emergency services to ensure public safety.
Rio, the football player, warned other young people and children not to watch them if they were offered fireworks. Pictured: The jacket he wore when the fireworks exploded
The teenager is undergoing physical therapy for several weeks before he can make the most of his hands and is currently unable to attend college as part of his apprentice joinery
It is recommended that people participate in organized fireworks displays, but if they set off fireworks at home, please buy them from licensed retailers and follow the fireworks safety regulations.
Val Hussain, GMFRS Group Manager for Bury, Oldham and Rochdale, said: "Every year we see many people, including children, injured by fireworks abuse. Sadly, we have seen this happen again in recent weeks."
"Our recommendation is to participate in organized bonfires and fireworks displays if possible. If you do, please don't forget to keep up with all COVID-19 measures.
"If you plan to use fireworks at home, then please follow the fireworks regulations. First, make sure that the fireworks have the CE standard mark.
"Fireworks can be fun, but if used improperly, they can also be very dangerous."
GMFRS organizes fireworks amnesty activities to reduce fireworks-related accidents and maintain safety during Greater Manchester
During the bonfire, citizens are allowed to safely handle fireworks. Call GMFRS on 0800 555 815 to collect fireworks safely.
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