5-year-old boy loses hand after firework explosion in Englewood

Police say the man handed the boy a “sparkler type firework” before it exploded. The 37-year-old is charged with child endangerment.

SHARE 5-year-old boy loses hand after firework explosion in Englewood
A boy was treated after a firework exploded in his hand Jan. 1, 2020, in the 5600 block of South May Street.

A boy was treated after a firework exploded in his hand Jan. 1, 2020, in the 5600 block of South May Street.

Google Maps

A man has been charged with child endangerment after a 5-year-old boy lost his hand on New Year’s Day while handling fireworks in Englewood on the South Side.

A man told investigators he handed the boy a “sparkler type firework” before hearing a loud noise, Chicago police said.

Officers responded about 6:50 p.m. to the 5600 block of South May Street and applied a tourniquet to the boy’s bleeding left hand, police said. He was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital and his condition was stabilized.

Although he got quick medical attention, the boy’s hand was “unsalvageable,” a police spokeswoman said.

Cardiel Phillips, 37, was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor count of endangering the life of a child, police said. He was also cited with a municipal fireworks violation.

The Latest
Despite getting into foul trouble, which limited him to just six minutes in the second half, Shannon finished with 29 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Cowboy hats, bell-bottoms and boots were on full display Thursday night as fans lined up for the first of his three sold-out shows.
The incident occurred about 3:40 p.m. near Minooka. The horse was successfully placed back into the trailer, and the highway reopened about 40 minutes later. No injuries were reported.
The Hawks conceded the game’s only two goals within the first seven minutes and were shut out for the 12th time this season in a 2-0 defeat Thursday.