Fireworks Injure Crown Heights Youth as Shomrim Warns of Dangerous Trend

by CrownHeights.info

As summer approaches and fireworks become increasingly common in neighborhood parks and streets, Crown Heights residents are being urged to take the dangers seriously after another child was injured in a fireworks-related incident.

According to Crown Heights Shomrim, a child suffered burns to the face this week after being struck by a firework in Lefferts Park. The incident is part of what community members describe as a growing problem involving groups of young teens lighting and throwing fireworks near other children.

“Unfortunately, Shomrim continues to receive calls about groups of Yeshivah boys lighting fireworks around other children,” the organization said in a public warning following the incident.

Lefferts Park has long been a popular gathering place for neighborhood families during the warmer months, but parents say the recent increase in fireworks activity has left many children feeling unsafe.

Community members expressed concern that the behavior could easily lead to far more serious injuries if it continues unchecked.

National safety statistics highlight those concerns. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that approximately 14,700 people were injured by fireworks in 2024, with burns accounting for the largest category of injuries. The head, face, and ears are among the most commonly injured areas. Young people are particularly vulnerable, with children and teens accounting for a significant portion of fireworks-related emergency room visits.

Medical experts warn that even seemingly harmless fireworks can cause devastating injuries. Burns, eye injuries, hearing damage, and permanent scarring can occur not only to those lighting fireworks, but also to innocent bystanders standing nearby. Children under 15 account for roughly one-quarter of all fireworks-related injuries nationwide.

Recent incidents across New York have demonstrated how quickly fireworks can turn dangerous. Last month in Brooklyn’s Bath Beach neighborhood, a fireworks explosion left an 18-year-old with severe hand injuries and facial burns, while two others were also hospitalized with burns.

Shomrim is calling on parents to speak with their children about the dangers of fireworks and to closely monitor where they are spending their time.

“Parents: please know where your children are and what they are doing,” Shomrim urged. “Lefferts Park should be a place for children to play and enjoy themselves safely—not a place where they have to dodge fireworks.”

Community leaders hope that increased parental involvement and awareness will prevent further injuries before a tragedy occurs.

Residents who witness dangerous activity involving fireworks are encouraged to contact Shomrim or the appropriate authorities immediately.