LUMBERTON - A fireworks explosion took the right hand of a Lumberton teenager on New Year's Eve.
Derek Koch, 16, a sophomore at Lumberton High School,was lighting fireworks on Dec. 31 around 9 p.m.when what is believed to be a sparkler bomb went off in his hand, according to Hardin County Sheriff Ed Cain. The teen was transported by ambulance to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. He remained in stable condition, but lost his hand and roughly six inches below the elbow.
"He's doing good.His spirits are great; he has a great attitude," Cain said.
Derek, the son of Hardin County Sheriff's Cpt. Ernie Koch, is an accomplished bull rider. Cain said the teen doesn't plan to give up bull riding, and plans to learn to ride with his left hand. In the wake of this accident, Cain wanted to reemphasize the importance of fireworks safety.
"Never hold fireworks in your hand," he said. "Have somebody around who knows what they're doing and follow the safety directions."
A benefit account has been set up at Texas State Bank to help the family with medical expenses.The account number is 8545529.
Derek Koch, 16, a sophomore at Lumberton High School,was lighting fireworks on Dec. 31 around 9 p.m.when what is believed to be a sparkler bomb went off in his hand, according to Hardin County Sheriff Ed Cain. The teen was transported by ambulance to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. He remained in stable condition, but lost his hand and roughly six inches below the elbow.
"He's doing good.His spirits are great; he has a great attitude," Cain said.
Derek, the son of Hardin County Sheriff's Cpt. Ernie Koch, is an accomplished bull rider. Cain said the teen doesn't plan to give up bull riding, and plans to learn to ride with his left hand. In the wake of this accident, Cain wanted to reemphasize the importance of fireworks safety.
"Never hold fireworks in your hand," he said. "Have somebody around who knows what they're doing and follow the safety directions."
A benefit account has been set up at Texas State Bank to help the family with medical expenses.The account number is 8545529.