Alabama Fireworks Technician Injured in Explosion Released from Hospital

A fireworks technician injured by an exploding shell during an Independence Day festival in Alabama has been released from the hospital, according to a Thursday Facebook post by the City of Jacksonville.

The technician was injured on Wednesday when a fireworks shell “unexpectedly detonated” and was airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham. Jacksonville officials previously announced the incident on Facebook. The festival, known as Jax Fest and organized by Jacksonville Parks & Recreation, was canceled and held at the Jacksonville High School football stadium.

“Good news! We’ve received word that the fireworks technician injured last night at Jax Fest has been released from UAB Hospital today and is headed home with his co-worker,” the city’s Facebook post announced on Thursday. “Thank you to everyone who kept him in your thoughts and prayers!”

According to the City of Jacksonville’s Facebook post on Wednesday, “A firework shell unexpectedly detonated while being prepared; no power source was connected to the device, which is normally detonated via electric-match technology activated by computer.” The fireworks company has stated it will return at a later date to put on another show, with more information to be provided as it becomes available.

Residents in the Jacksonville area may hear fireworks detonating during daytime hours at the city’s public safety complex over the next few days while the site is safely decommissioned, the city said on Wednesday.