Sources: Doctors trying to save girl's fingers after illegal device explodes in Philadelphia

Thursday, October 31, 2019
Child injured in North Philly fireworks incident
Child injured in North Philly fireworks incident: Corey Davis reports during Action News at Noon on October 30, 2019.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A young child was rushed to the hospital after an illegal device, known as a M-250, exploded inside a home in Philadelphia on Tuesday, according to sources. Relatives say doctors are trying to save three of the girl's fingertips but she is expected to survive.

It happened around 4:40 p.m. inside a home along the 700 block of North Marvine Street.

Police say an 11-year-old girl was playing with the device when an explosion occurred inside the home.

"One of the young ladies had come running out hollering and panicking saying that something exploded and the little girl's fingers were cut off," said Janice McDonald.

McDonald is a retired nurse, and she just happened to be passing by when she saw the chaotic scene.

"I just wanted to do what I was able to because I'm a retired nurse. I took an oath, don't panic, you have to help and aid and assist," she said.

McDonald saw that the little girl's hand was bleeding and badly damaged.

"She was in a panic stage, but what I did was wrap her hand so that it could stop the bleed," she said.

The child was transported to the hospital where she's listed in stable condition.

Police say there's damage to the second-floor bedroom and drywall where the explosion occurred.

Earlier this summer, a 9-year-old girl suffered serious injuries to her arms, body and face when an illegal explosive device detonated in her hands inside her Kensington home.