Philadelphia boy, 12, critically injured while lighting explosive device

PHILADELPHIA — A 12-year-old Philadelphia boy was critically injured Tuesday night after an explosive device detonated in his hand, authorities said.

According to police, the boy was observed running to his home around 9:30 p.m. with injuries to his left hand, WTFX reported. Officers took the boy and his mother to an area hospital, according to WPVI.

Police said the boy was with a friend and lit the device, but he held it too long and was injured when it exploded in his hand, WPVI reported.

Police officials said they believed the device was either an M-80 or a quarter stick of dynamite because of the sound it made and the damage it caused, KYW reported.

The explosion was caught on real-time cameras, police told the television station.

Although the boy was in critical condition, his injuries were not considered life-threatening, WTXF reported.

Cox Media Group