A fireworks display at the Leechburg (PA) Fireman’s Carnival was abruptly ended by a horrible incident Saturday night. Initial reports are that some fireworks went off, but didn’t launch.
The incident happened about 2230 hours when the Chief was lighting mortars during the fireworks show.
The explosion reportedly took the left hand and his arm from halfway around the forearm of Leechburg Police Chief Michael Diebold.
The D.A. did confirm that Chief Diebold also operates a business called Aura Fireworks in Leechburg and is he is reportedly licensed but one report claims that the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office — with which for-profit businesses must register — reported that it does not have a record of the business.
The Chief is in stable condition. KHIYP’s.
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LEECHBURG, Pa. —
A community comes together for its police chief after he was injured in a fireworks accident at the Leechburg Volunteer Fireman's Carnival.
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On Saturday during the carnival's firework show, a firework misfired and hit Chief Mike Diebold in the hand.
He was flown to Mercy Hospital.
"Last night, he looked like he would never make it, but today he is doing great," said Karen Diebold, Mike Diebold's mother. "Half of it is because all of the people in Leechburg that supported him from last night until now."
Karen Diebold says her son is talking and joking again.
Karen added, "This is also from his fiancé, Danielle. We just cannot say enough thank yous. I mean I never saw a town come together like this."
Police officers, firefighters, friends and family attended a candlelight prayer vigil Sunday evening at the Leechburg Fire Hall.
A local t-shirt business, Little Devils Imprints, created a shirt to sell to raise money for Diebold and his family. All proceeds from sales go towards Diebold's medical expenses. For more information, check out Little Devils Imprints Facebook page.
State police are investigating to find out how this accident happened.
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Leechburg Police Chief Injured While Setting Off Fireworks June 25, 2017 11:54 AM
LEECHBURG (KDKA) — A fireworks display at the Leechburg Fireman’s Carnival was abruptly ended by a horrible accident Saturday night.
Jimmy Francis was watching the show with friends.
“One of the fireworks went off, and it didn’t go up in the air. Then another two went off, and after those two went off, I heard screaming, ‘Help! Help!’” Francis said.
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Francis was one of several people who ran to the scene of the accident behind a warehouse on Canal Street. That’s when he says he saw a man missing part of his arm and rapidly going into shock.
The Armstrong County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the injured man is Leechburg Police Chief Michael Diebold.
Credit: KDKA
“I would say probably from about half the forearm down was missing,” Francis said. “He was down on the ground, and he ended up collapsing.”
Officials would not confirm the extent of Diebold’s injuries.
The D.A. did confirm that Diebold operates a business called Aura Fireworks in Leechburg.