Two boys found an unexploded mortar shell in North End Park just after noon Wednesday. When the older of the two tried to light it it exploded in his hands, causing serious injuries, according to a report from Aberdeen Police Lt. C.J. Chastain.

Aberdeen Police and Fire arrived to find a volunteer firefighter on the scene tending to the seriously injured 14-year-old boy. Responders were told he and an 8-year old friend were playing in the park when they came across the mortar, which still had the fuse attached. The two decided to light the mortar on Thomas Street on gravel parking shoulder. The 14-year old was holding the mortar in his hand when he lit it, but was unable to throw the mortar before it went off in his hands.

The 8-year old was standing nearby and suffered what Chastain described as “minor injuries” and was treated at the scene. The 14-year-old was taken to Grays Harbor Community Hospital. Chastain did not detail the nature of the older boy’s injuries other than to say they were “serious injuries.”

“The Aberdeen Police Department encourages parents to check the area around their residences and neighborhoods for other potential unexploded July 4th fireworks and dispose of them safely,” said Chastain in the report. “Items of the sort have the potential to attract the attention of young people who might not be aware of the serious dangers present.”