Crawford Man Has New Outlook On Life After Scary Fireworks Accident

CRAWFORD, Miss. (WCBI)- It’s been just over five months since Montrell Turner was seriously injured while shooting fireworks during a 4th of July celebration.

He was hospitalized for ten days as he underwent surgery and treatment.

The Crawford man has since recovered and said the incident has now given him a new perspective on life.

As the Christmas approaches, Turner said he’s extremely thankful to spend the holiday with his friends and family.

“The work I do, I barely do be home for Christmas,” said Turner. “This the first time I’ve been home in about four years.”

As he stacks presents under the tree and hangs ornaments with his family, he’s cherishing each moment.

“Just spending time with the family and enjoying the kids, seeing the smile on their face Christmas day,” said Turner.

Turner said he’s extremely thankful for moments not because he’s around loved ones, but because just a few months ago he found himself on the wrong end of a holiday celebration.

“It was a family gathering and all of a sudden I go down to light the fireworks, and it all of a sudden just exploded in my face, next thing I know I was in the hospital,” Turner recalled.

Turner fractured his nose and cheek bone and also lost his right eye, forcing him to now wear a patch to cover it.

“I can see fine but I have to judge it better,” the Crawford man explained. “Like seeing that table right there, I can reach out and touch it but I think it’s closer than what it really is because I’m judging with one eye instead of two eyes.”

The 34-year-old said it was a malfunctioning firecracker that backfired on him.

He’s been shooting fireworks all his life, and despite having several safety measures in place, he said it shows how suddenly the unthinkable can still happened.

“I never thought it would happen to me,”said Turner. “Safety is first. We were safe but at the same time, something just happened. It wasn’t like we were careless or nothing like that.”

Turner said he doesn’t want anyone to have to go through what he experienced.

As the New Year approaches, he urges everyone to be safe when lighting fireworks, and offers a simple piece of advice.

“I would say man, leave it to the professionals,” said Turner.

After the July accident, Turner said he and his family will no longer use fireworks during holiday celebrations.