Little Olly suffered burns to his head, neck and fingers after shielding his sister from a stray firework – and now his mum wants businesses strict training to prevent future accidents
The mum of a hero 11-year-old who suffered severe burns protecting his sister from a firework is calling for mandatory training for people handling explosives.
Little Olly needed hospital treatment after shielding sibling Daisy, two, during a display near Pontypool, Wales. Now more than a week since the horror, concerned mum Charlotte Baggot says businesses flogging fireworks should have to provide shoppers with thorough safety instructions.
The mum-of-three, 36, told the Mirror: “The fireworks were being set off too close to the crowd and weren’t secured properly. This wouldn’t have happened if there were proper precautions in place – we need to ensure people have proper training before being allowed to put on public displays.”
Charlotte, a stay at home mum, said Olly is recovering well but will be avoiding firework displays in the future. She added: “He’s still very shocked and quiet. I’m worried other children will be left in a similar position if new rules don’t come in.”
Olly was enjoying the Guy Fawkes display in the town of Penygarn on November 5 when he noticed a stray firework heading towards the crowd. He leapt to protect his little sister but the explosive landed in the hood of his coat, burning his neck, fingers and head. He was treated at the scene by a first aider before being taken to hospital where he remained overnight.
Recalling the terrifying ordeal, Charlotte said: “The adults stood at the back but obviously, kids being kids, they wanted to stand at the front, so Olly, Harri and Daisy all stood together behind the barrier. All I saw was Olly shout at his little brother Harri to run, and then he got in front of his little sister, span Daisy around and pushed her towards me. As he did that, the firework landed in the hood of his coat and exploded on his head.
“He just let out the most horrific scream. The only thing I could think of is ‘get the coat off him’. I ran over to him ripped the coat off and it’s all a bit of a blur then. It went in slow motion but so fast at the same time. It’s all a bit of a blur. I do think he’s a little superhero – I don’t think he realises what a great thing he’s done. It just came so naturally to him. He’s just so brave. I’m so glad it wasn’t worse than what it is.”
Olly, who plays in bagpipe band Piping Hot Cwmbran, was due to perform at his hometown’s Remembrance Sunday parade but lay a wreath on their behalf. A spokesperson for the ensemble said: “What an amazing young man Olly is. We cant think of many 11 year olds who would have the foresight to do what he did with total disregard for his own safety. The possible consequences just don’t bare thinking about.”