Fireworks-hurling teen accidentally sets his own car ablaze, Nebraska police say

A Nebraska teenager’s Friday night went up in flames, along with his ride, when a pyrotechnic disaster unfolded in the back seat, according to the Lincoln Police Department.

Lincoln police arrived at the scene of a car fire around 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 4, in the parking lot of Lincoln Southwest High School, LPD told McClatchy News in an email.

There were roughly 50 “high school age” teens gathered watching a burning 2006 Chevy Malibu, as Lincoln firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.

The car belonged to a 17-year-old, police said.

He had tried to throw a lit firework out of the window but missed, hitting the interior of the car. The firework bounced into the backseat and into a box filled with more fireworks, and they all ignited, according to police. He opened all of the car’s doors, but that only sped up the fire.

By the time the flames were out, the car “was considered a total loss,” police said.

The teen was cited for discharging fireworks where prohibited.

No injuries were reported.

This story was originally published February 6, 2022 at 4:50 PM with the headline "Fireworks-hurling teen accidentally sets his own car ablaze, Nebraska police say."