Doctors trying to save girl's fingers after firework explosion in Philly, family says

PHILADELPHIA -- A young child was rushed to the hospital after a firework went off inside a Philadelphia home on Tuesday. Relatives say doctors are trying to save three of the girl's fingers 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 a firework when one went off inside the home. It's unclear where the child got the fireworks or if it was illegal.

"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.

Acting Police Commissioner Christine Coulter says with mischief night on Wednesday, its likely others will be tempted to play with fireworks and she warns them not to do it.

"They could cause so much damage and even death, so we don't want any kids or adults handling fireworks that aren't an authorized firework show where people are professionals," said Coulter.

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.