SAN ANTONIO — A Texas man died Tuesday after lighting a mortar-style firework on top of his head, authorities said.
Pablo Ruiz, 43, of San Antonio, died from head injuries due to a fireworks explosion at about 12:20 a.m. CDT, the Bexar County Medical Examiner said.
Police said that Ruiz was shooting off fireworks at a residence when he decided to light the mortar-style firework from the top of his head, KENS-TV reported.
THIS JUST IN: Police said they believe the powerful firework exploded from the bottom of the tube, instantly piercing the top of the victim's head. https://t.co/DIIxyHXM2H
— KENS 5 (@KENS5) July 6, 2022
The firework exploded from the bottom of the mortar tube, instantly piercing Ruiz’s head, the San Antonio Express-News reported.
According to the San Antonio Police Department, Ruiz was unresponsive with severe head trauma when paramedics arrived, according to the newspaper. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said that Ruiz and his friends were drinking and shooting off fireworks when the accident occurred.
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