After a mortar shell exploded in a firework tube, a man was killed instantly and shrapnel was thrown into his body.
It occurred in Salamonie Township, Indiana, about 95 miles northeast from Indianapolis, at 12:20 on Sunday, July 4. According to a statement by the Huntington County Coroner's Office, first responders were called to the scene after a man was hurt while setting off fireworks.
Authorities arrived and found Steven E. Sims, 41, of Hartford City, Indiana with serious injuries to his abdomen.
According to the Huntington County Coroner, lifesaving measures were made immediately to save Sims's life. However, Sims died at the scene from his injuries.
"An initial investigation revealed that the mortar shell burst inside the tube. This caused the tube to collapse and struck the victim," stated Philip Zahm, Huntington County Chief Deputy Coroner. To determine the extent of the injury, an autopsy is currently being performed.
In this case, toxicology reports are also in the works. The autopsy will determine the cause and manner of death.
Sims's death remains under investigation.
