(Updated 10-a.m.)

A fireworks accident in a subdivision on the southeast side of Council Bluffs Friday night caused serious injuries to an adult male. Pottawattamie County Jeff Danker told KJAN News the incident happened at a party at around 10:30-p.m. at a party located at 13660 220th Street.

Danker says a man in his 30’s had an M-80 firecracker explode in his hand as he attempted to light it. The device severed the hand at the wrist. The victim was flown by helicopter to the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha for treatment of “Very severe injuries.”

The victim was later identified as 30-year old Cole Mayer, of Council Bluffs. Bystanders placed tourniquets on Mayer’s arm to try and stop the bleeding. Crews with Lewis Township Fire and Rescue responded to the scene to treat Mayer as well, before he was loaded onto the chopper. The incident remains under investigation.

M-80’s are illegal to possess in Iowa. Danker says he hasn’t seen any here in quite a while. They’re about 2 inches long and cylindrical. When they go off they create a very loud “bang,” and Danker says they are obviously very dangerous, as evidenced by the incident Friday night.