Bloomington mom among three arrested for fireworks blast that burned baby

Posted on July 25, 2018

 

McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage said a baby is being treated in a Springfield hospital’s burn unit after fireworks exploded in a vehicle . Sandage said three adults have been arrested, including the baby’s mother. (WJBC file photo)

 

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – A baby is hospitalized with burns and three adults have been arrested for allegedly lighting fireworks that caused the child’s injuries.

McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage said the three month old child is being treated in a Springfield hospital’s burn unit.

Sheriff’s police were called to West Washington Street a little after midnight Wednesday to a report of gunshots. Sandage said the noise actually came from people throwing fireworks out the window while driving just west of Bloomington.

The sheriff said a Roman candle exploded in the vehicle, burning the baby and causing less serious injuries to three others.

Sandage said the baby’s mother, Kerigan Wood, 20, along with Donald Connelly, 19, and Nicholas Bays, 21, all from Bloomington, were treated and released from a local hospital.

All three are jailed on preliminary charges of child endangerment, reckless conduct, and possession, sale, or use of fireworks. The McLean County State’s Attorney’s office has yet to file formal charges.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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