A 17-year-old boy suffered ruptured eardrums and a broken nose after a modified firecracker exploded in his face in Port Dickson.

SEREMBAN: A teenager sustained serious injuries, including ruptured eardrums and a broken nose, after a firecracker he was modifying exploded last week.

Negeri Sembilan police chief Datuk Alzafny Ahmad said the 17-year-old also suffered injuries to his fingers, palms, and face.

The incident occurred on March 12 at about 11 pm in Bandar Springhill, Lukut. “The victim, together with his friends, is believed to have used about 20 ‘mercun bola’ (ball firecrackers) and modified them by sprinkling sulphur into a hole in a pillar before inserting a firecracker to produce a stronger explosion,” Alzafny said.

A powerful explosion occurred when the victim attempted to light the firecracker with a lighter.

The victim was initially taken to a private hospital before being transferred to Port Dickson Hospital for further treatment. He has been warded since March 13.

Police received a report on the incident on Tuesday at 6.17 pm. The case is being investigated under Section 8 of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958.

“No arrest has been made so far,” Alzafny stated. “Police are tracking down witnesses involved to record their statements.”

He advised the public against modifying or mishandling firecrackers, warning they can cause serious injuries and endanger personal safety.

 The Sun Malaysia