Victim Hit In Chest By Rocket

News that a 21-year-old Sussex man was seriously injured by a stray firework at a bonfire night celebration in Lewes is likely to raise many questions over the safety of the event, a legal expert has warned.

Keith Barrett, a personal injury partner at Irwin Mitchell, reacted after it was revealed the Brighton resident was in a critical but stable condition at Royal Sussex County Hospital after being hit in the chest by the rocket on Friday.

Sussex Police have confirmed they are working with Lewes District Council and the Health and Safety Executive to discover what happened in events leading up to the incident.

According to Keith Barrett, who is a Fellow of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and a member of the Personal Injury Panel, reports on the injury were a major concern.

He said: “A serious incident of this nature without a doubt highlights the major safety issues that can emerge over the handling of fireworks and the management of publicly attended events celebrating bonfire night.

“However, it will also undoubtedly raise questions over what measures were in place to ensure everyone at the event was safe from harm.

“It is vital that any serious failings which may emerge from investigations into this incident are tackled and that lessons are learnt to avoid the same mistakes happening again.”