Oregon Man Lost 2 Fingers From Illegal Mortar

A Medford man who lost two fingers when an illegal firework exploded is recuperating at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland.

David Jenkins tells the Mail-Tribune he is in good spirits despite his Friday morning injury that will require one more surgery.

Medford police say Jenkins and some friends lit what is called a double-shot mortar, which is illegal in the state.

Only one of the two embedded explosives went off when Jenkins lit it.

Jenkins said he went back inside and came back out to pick up the “dud” an hour or so later. Police originally reported that Jenkins lit the remaining portion, but he says he picked it up with his right hand and it went off unprovoked.

Police said they issued Jenkins a $250 citation for using the illegal firework.

Jenkins said doctors were able to save the other fingers on his right hand. And lucky for him, he’s left-handed.