A dad had his hand blown off after picking up a “bomb-like” device while cleaning rubbish from a beach.
Jason Turner was walking along the sand with his girlfriend, Pamala Ganfield, and collecting discarded firework debris when he spotted the mystery object.
The item suddenly exploded in his hand, leaving him with devastating injuries.
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The dad was rushed to hospital and has since had his hand amputated, as reported by Need To Know.
He has also suffered vision and hearing loss and it is currently unclear whether either will return, according to his family.
Jason’s daughter, Ashley Turner, said that her father had simply been trying to help keep the beach clean when the horror incident unfolded.
“My father Jason has always been the kind of person who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need,” she said.
“Recently, while walking along the beach with his girlfriend Pamala and picking up firework trash to help keep the area clean, he was seriously injured when he picked up a bomb-like device that unexpectedly went off.
“The explosion resulted in the loss of his hand, turning what should have been a simple act of kindness into a life-changing emergency.
“He’s currently awaiting more surgeries after having his hand amputated.
“He has some vision loss and hearing loss, it’s currently unknown if it will return.”
The explosion happened near the Point St George parking lot in Del Norte County, California, US, on 5 July.
The Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office said it received a report of an explosion which had caused a man a “significant injury to his hand”.
Deputies located the injured man on arrival and he was rushed to Sutter Coast Hospital by ambulance.
An investigation into the cause of the explosion has since been launched.
The beach area was searched and deputies have continued checking for additional explosives.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Police have warned members of the public not to touch any suspected explosive device and instead move to a safe distance before immediately contacting law enforcement.
Ashley has also revealed how Pamala’s quick-thinking actions helped save her dad after the blast.
She said: “So thankful for Pamala Ganfield, without her my dad wouldn’t have made it off that beach alive.
“In a moment that my dad needed someone the most she acted fast, made a tourniquet out of her shirt and ran for help.
“With the quick thinking and determination for his safety she was able to get the help he needed.
“Please keep our family in your thoughts while navigating these difficult times.”
A fundraiser has also been launched to help Jason and his family through his recovery.
Ashley said her dad is the sole provider for a family of seven and still has two children in school.
He is expected to be unable to work for some time and faces a “long and difficult” road to recovery.
Funds raised will go towards transport to and from medical appointments, medication and hotel stays for Jason and his family during his treatment.
Ashley added: “Every bit of support will help ease the burden and allow Jason to focus on healing.
“Jason has always been there for others, and now, in this moment of need, any support you can offer would mean the world to his family.”
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