A Dibble man has died from injuries he suffered when a lighted firework held above his head malfunctioned and severely injured him.

McClain County Sheriff's Department Lt. Dan Huff said Richard Hines, 26, succumbed to his injuries Sunday night at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City. The incident happened Saturday evening at the Hineses' residence at 24742 MacArthur St. Hines and his wife had just moved into their residence in Dibble June 30.

Huff said Hines was celebrating Independence Day with friends and relatives at his home Saturday evening.

"About a dozen family and friends were having a Fourth of July party at the residence," he said. "They were grilling out and firing fireworks throughout the day and evening."

Huff said alcohol was present at the party. Several adults including Hines had consumed alcohol Saturday evening, according to witness statements.

Huff said witnesses told investigators that two party-goers were holding fiberglass tubes above their heads, installing mortar-type fireworks in the devices and lighting the fuses.

"They have instructions that you're supposed to place them on the ground and be in a safe distance," he said.

Huff said something went wrong when the firework held above Hines' head was lit.

"When it discharged, the device struck him in the head and severely injured his hands," Huff said. "He collapsed when it exploded and was unresponsive."

Huff said a call was placed to Dibble Fire and Rescue 9:46 p.m. Saturday about the explosion.

"They were fast to respond," he said.

Huff said when rescue personnel arrived on scene, Hines was unresponsive and bleeding from his hands and head. He had a weak pulse.

Medi Flight transported Hines from the scene to OU Medical Center, Huff said.

He said nobody else was injured in Saturday's explosion, but a couple of people were knocked backward from the concussion of the blast.

Huff said evidence shows the crowd discharged a large amount of fireworks at Saturday's gathering.