Burns Open · Published 2026-07-10 · DOI 10.1016/j.burnso.2026.100483
Isabel V. Dupont, Till Wagner, Mariëlle L.A.W. Vehmeijer-Heeman
Firework-related injuries in children are typically associated with high-energy consumer fireworks, while major injuries caused by fireworks classified as low risk are less frequently described. We present a case of a three-year-old girl who sustained a severe penetrating neck burn after an ignited ground spinner (F1 firework) became trapped inside the collar of her jacket. Despite its classification as child-appropriate firework, the confined ignition resulted in airway-related symptoms, gunpowder particles in the mediastinum, deep soft tissue injury, and delayed wound necrosis. The clinical course required multiple surgical interventions and prolonged follow-up. Firework-related injuries in children more frequently occur in bystanders than active users, highlighting their vulnerability even without direct involvement. This case highlights that (child friendly) fireworks perceived as low risk can cause complex and potentially life-threatening injuries in young children. Paediatric burn injuries should be considered as multisystem events with possible long-term physical and psychosocial consequences. Prevention-focused awareness therefore remains essential, particularly as F1 fireworks will remain legally available despite upcoming regulatory changes.
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Dupont, I., Wagner, T., Vehmeijer-Heeman, M. (2026). Penetrating burn injury caused by an ignited ground spinner (low-risk (F1) firework) in a three-year-old child: a case report. Burns Open. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burnso.2026.100483