By Marty Trese, KnoxPages.com Editor
MOUNT VERNON – The MVPD has released more information regarding the loud explosion in the west end of the city Monday evening. According to the report narrative officers were dispatched to the area of 1000 West Vine Street in reference to an explosion. When an officer arrived a large crowd of people had gathered around an individual sitting on the ground in the tree lawn area at the intersection of West Vine and South Jackson Streets.
A 16-year-old boy, whose name was not released, had visible injuries to both hands. Several people in the area said they observed the boy light a firecracker while he was on his bicycle and that the firecracker exploded in his hand. The officer asked the boy what happened and he stated he did not know.
Additional officers arrived on the scene. According to witnesses in the area the original incident occured at the intersection of West Vine and South Harrison Streets. While officers checked the area they discovered the remains of a small blue lighter that appeared as though it had exploded.
According to the MVPD report, the boy was transported to Knox Community Hospital by the Mount Vernon Fire Department. Unconfirmed reports on social media are that the boy was flown by helicopter to a Columbus hospital for treatment.