BUCKNER, Ark. (AP) - Authorities in south Arkansas say one teenager is dead and another is recovering from injuries after they taped sparklers together and ignited them, causing an explosion.
Lafayette County Chief Deputy Pete Richardson says the 17-year-old boys bound the sparklers together while celebrating Independence Day. Richardson says the sparklers exploded prematurely as one of the teens put a 5-gallon bucket on top of the fireworks.
Both teenagers were taken to a hospital where Justin Smith of Buckner died. The second teenager remains hospitalized. Authorities did not identify the injured teenager but said he is from Mount Holly.
Lafayette County is under a burn ban, which means fireworks are illegal unless a resident receives written permission to ignite them. Richardson said he didn't know if the teens had permission.
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