Firework hell leaves dad in crippling pain

A man was taken to hospital after a firework disaster left him with “extensive” injuries to both hands.

- STEPHEN BARK

Family and friends had gathered for John McIntyre’s 42nd birthday in Kilmarnock when the incident occurred.

The father-of-two lit a firework in his own back garden that exploded before he could step back, causing “catastrophic” injuries to both hands which have been described as “life-altering.”

John was taken to Crosshouse Hospital for treatment of the “extensive nerve and tissue damage” to both his hands and surgeons later confirmed part of one finger had to be amputated.

John said: “I bent down to light it like I've done before, and it just went off in my hands.

“There was this massive bang, and then nothing but pain. I couldn't feel anything. I looked down and there was blood everywhere.