A member of the Metro Police Department’s bomb squad helped Vanderbilt surgeons save a man who was critically injured in a fireworks accident.
Juan Diaz-Castrejon, 35, was attempting to light a firework when it misfired and discharged into his head.
Rutherford County Sheriff’s deputies were called to a home on S. Dominic Circle in Murfreesboro late Saturday night. Reports show they arrived to find Diaz-Castrejon lying on the ground covered in blood.
He had a severe skull fracture, and injuries to his wrist and hand. He was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Upon arrival, Vanderbilt doctors reached out to Gerry Gann, a bomb technician with the Metro Nashville Police Department. He arrived at the hospital, and was asked to stay in the operating room to assist with the procedure due to concerns the device may explode.
“It was definitely the first time I’ve ever had that call,” said Gann. “As a bomb technician we are trained to handle all unusual calls and make sure they come to a safe resolution.”
Doctors removed the piece of the mortar tube from a canister artillery shell firework that was in Diaz-Castrejon’s head.
Gann removed the item from the hospital to a safe location for further investigation. It was declared safe.
Gann said the situation is a reminder for people to be careful while shooting off fireworks. He said the devices can be very dangerous and users should always read all the instructions and take safety precautions while handling fireworks.
Diaz-Castrejon was last listed in critical but stable condition at Vanderbilt.
