Leechburg police Chief Michael Diebold was in stable condition Sunday at UPMC Mercy, Uptown, after a fireworks accident Saturday night in the Armstrong County borough, his mother said.
Karen Diebold, 65, of Leechburg said her son was handling fireworks at the town’s Fireman's Carnival when one misfired and exploded into him.
According to the Associated Press, Chief Diebold, who lost part of his arm in the accident, runs a local fireworks business and was licensed to handle them.
Chief Diebold, 39, is expected to return home in a couple weeks, Ms. Diebold said.
“This whole town came together, and they were just wonderful. I can’t thank them enough,” she said. She declined to discuss his injuries.
A prayer vigil for Chief Diebold was held Sunday night at the Leechburg Volunteer Fire Co. The fire company, which holds the annual carnival, referred questions to state police at Kittanning.
State police said an investigation is ongoing. In a prepared statement Sunday morning, police said the incident happened about 10:30 p.m. when the victim was lighting mortars during the fireworks show.
First Published: June 25, 2017, 9:59 p.m.
