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Mother is burned in rocket blast at garden firework party

A father has described the terrifying moment that a firework shot off towards his family and burned his wife as she tried to protect them.

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An ambulance had to be called after the firework exploded in the hands of 27-year-old Aimee Rhoden, who is having ongoing hospital treatment for the burns she sustained.

Deciding to have their own display in their garden on Johnson Road in Darlaston on November 4, Aimee's husband Tony set off some fireworks he had bought earlier in Tipton, to the initial delight of six-year-old Layla and three-year-old Logan.

Mr Rhoden, 30, said: "I followed all the instructions on the rockets and lit them facing away from my family. As soon as I lit them I noticed there was something wrong so I called to my wife to try and get my children and herself into the house, but there wasn't enough time.

Aimee shows some of the injuries to her hand

"The rocket began spinning around in the tube provided, then took off at flight for about three foot, then turned 90 degrees at us. It flew down the garden and hit the patio door,then bounced off my daughters leg and landed next to the children.

"My wife bravely put herself in danger and picked the rocket up, and ran to throw it away from us, but as she tried to throw it, it exploded in her hand and then shot all over my disabled son. It looked like he was on fire.

"He didn't have a mark on him luckily, but caused him to soil himself in fear."

However it was clear that Mrs Rhoden has suffered a nasty burn to her hand, with the skin splitting open and bleeding on her hand and further lacerations around her fingers. As well as this injury an inch long piece of plastic casing from the firework also shot through her boot, leaving it lodged in the top of her foot.

She was taken to Walsall Manor hospital via ambulance, and has to return for follow-up appointments.

As well as the ongoing pain, the injuries she sustained is affecting her ability to work as a housekeeping supervisor.

Meanwhile Mr Rhoden who works as a DJ and photographer as well as for DHL, wants to warn others about the dangers of buying fireworks to use at home.

He also wants to highlight the bravery of his wife.

"At the hospital all the staff praised her, calling her supermom," he added. "I am so grateful for her bravery - the situation could of been a lot worse."

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