QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY, Md. — A 13-year-old boy was injured Thursday night in Church Hill after a makeshift firearm he was attempting to discharge exploded, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The teenager sustained burns and traumatic injuries during the incident, which occurred just before 11:00 p.m. on August 15, 2024.
Emergency responders, including the Church Hill Volunteer Fire Company and Queen Anne’s County Department of Emergency Services paramedics, were dispatched to the 200 block of Laysan Teal Court. The teenager was stabilized at the scene before being airlifted by Maryland State Police Aviation Command to Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore. He is currently listed in stable condition.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal was called in to investigate after it was determined that the injuries were caused by an explosion. Investigators concluded that the boy had attempted to ignite a metal pipe filled with an unknown quantity of black powder using a cigarette lighter. The device exploded upon ignition.
Authorities found no evidence suggesting that the teenager intended to create a destructive device for any nefarious purpose, and no criminal intent is suspected. A search of the property revealed no additional devices or hazardous materials.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal continues to remind the public of the dangers associated with makeshift weapons and explosives. The agency remains committed to protecting citizens from fire and explosions through education, inspection, and investigation.
For more information on fire safety, citizens are encouraged to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal or visit their website and Facebook page.
