close

Police chief loses part of arm in fireworks accident

1 min read
article image -

PITTSBURGH (AP) – A Pennsylvania police chief has lost part of his arm and been hospitalized following a fireworks accident at the town’s fireman’s carnival.

A witness and the mother of Leechburg Police Chief Michael Diebold described the injury. Karen Diebold, the chief’s mother, says her son is in stable condition and in good spirits nonetheless because of the outpouring of community support.

Police say the 39-year-old chief was lighting a mortar when one went off and exploded into him. The chief reportedly runs a local fireworks business and was licensed to handle them.

The chief was being treated at UPMC-Mercy hospital in Pittsburgh.

A prayer vigil for the chief was held Sunday night at the Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company.

State police were continuing to investigate the accident.

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $3.75/week.

Subscribe Today