Kentucky firefighter, bystander injured after Fourth of July fireworks accident

A Kentucky firefighter and bystander were injured in a Fourth of July fireworks accident in Knott County Thursday evening, according to Knott County Judge-Executive Jeff Dobson.

The accident happened during the Knott County fireworks show at the Knott County Sportsplex. Dobson said the firefighter and bystander were struck by fragments from an artillery shell that went off on the ground.

The firefighter was transported to a hospital in Lexington for treatment and monitoring. Dobson didn’t specify on the firefighter’s injuries but said he hopes the firefighter will be released soon.

The bystander was transported to Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center with minor injuries. Dobson said the bystander has since been released.

“We think everything is going to be fine,” Dobson said in a Facebook post. “We’re praying for both families. Think everything is going to work out and hope he’ll get to come home soon.”

The show had to be cut short after the accident, according to Dobson.

“Safety is our main concern,” Dobson said in a Facebook post. “We know folks were shook up after the accident and we didn’t want to take a chance on any future mishaps afterwards.”