Israeli teen breaks his legs after jumping on firecrackers for fun

A 17-year-old boy was moderately injured after jumping on a pack of firecrackers for fun, fracturing both legs in the latest of three firecracker-related incidents reported at Rambam Hospital in just two days. The spike in injuries comes as Ramadan and Purim approach, prompting warnings from medical experts about the dangers of these explosive “toys.”

According to Rambam’s spokesperson, the teen was evacuated to the "Ruth" Children’s Hospital at Rambam Medical Center, where imaging revealed complex fractures in both feet. He’s slated for surgery in the coming days. The incident follows two other cases: a 14-year-old boy treated for neck and chest burns, who spent a day in pediatric ICU before being discharged, and a 9-year-old boy whose limb injuries from a firecracker explosion a week ago became infected, requiring skin debridement surgery yesterday. The younger child remains hospitalized for observation.

Dr. Idit Pasternak, director of the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Unit at Rambam, didn’t mince words: “With Ramadan and Purim nearing, we’re seeing more kids hurt by firecrackers. These aren’t toys—they’re explosives. Often, they’re bought illegally, without parental oversight or safety standards. The consequences show up here: serious injuries that could be avoided.” She urged parents to keep kids away from such materials, calling them a “real danger.”

The trio of cases underscores a troubling trend tied to holiday festivities. The 17-year-old’s reckless stunt—caught on video—highlights the risks of underestimating firecrackers’ power.