A 34-year-old man was killed while handling a firework Thursday night in the Hermosa neighborhood, according to Chicago police.
Earl Lory sustained trauma to his body from the firework around 10 p.m. in the 3000 block of North Kostner Avenue, according to police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office. Lory, of Belmont Cragin, was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.
Police said detectives are conducting a death investigation.
The Chicago Fire Department said Friday morning that Lory was killed by “delayed ignition of a mortar device, causing massive trauma.”
Fire officials said they responded to at least 13 fires across the city related to fireworks overnight.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office also said it responded to two residential structure fires overnight, which they believe were caused my fireworks.
“The Lake County Sheriff’s Office reminds the community that most fireworks in Illinois are not legal,” the office said in a news release. “Every year, deputies respond to calls where people have been critically injured or where structures have burned to the ground, due to illegally used fireworks. Please leave fireworks to professionals who have obtained the necessary permits, after their safety plans have been approved.”