Daijiworld Media Network – California

California, Jul 10: A man lost his hand after a suspected explosive device detonated while he was cleaning up Fourth of July firework debris on a beach in Northern California, authorities said.

The incident occurred on Sunday at Point St. George Beach in Del Norte County, where Jason Turner and his girlfriend were collecting leftover fireworks from the previous day's celebrations to help clean the shoreline.

According to the Del Norte County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to reports of an explosion and found Turner in the beach parking lot with a severe hand injury. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Sheriff Kayle Stevens said investigators have been unable to determine the exact nature of the device as no debris or remnants were found at the scene.

Authorities said the couple had been about a quarter-mile from the parking area, where there was no mobile phone coverage, when the explosion occurred. They managed to return to the parking lot to call for help, and emergency responders arrived within about 20 minutes.

According to investigators, Turner told officials he had picked up a cylindrical object protruding from a mound of sand near the waterline, which exploded in his hand.

A fundraising campaign launched by his daughter, Ashley Turner, said the explosion resulted in the amputation of his hand and left him with multiple serious injuries. She said metal fragments became lodged in his eyes, including behind his left eye, while his right eardrum was ruptured, causing hearing loss. His vision and hearing injuries could be permanent, she added.

The online fundraiser had raised nearly 90,000 US dollars by Thursday to help cover his medical expenses.

The sheriff's office said no similar devices have been found in the area and that the investigation is ongoing.

Officials have urged the public not to touch any suspected explosive devices and to immediately contact law enforcement if such objects are found.