VIDEO: PA Chief Loses Part of Arm in Fireworks Accident

Leechburg, PA, Police Chief Michael Diebold was seriously injured in a fireworks accident at the Leechburg Fireman's Carnival Saturday night.

Jimmy Francis was watching the show with friends, reports KDKA-TV . 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 ear and rapidly going into shock. "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."

Karen Diebold says her son and Leechburg Police Chief Michael Diebold is in stable condition and in good spirits nonetheless because of the outpouring of community support, reports the Associated Press .

Police say the 39-year-old chief was lighting a mortar when one went off and exploded into him. The chief reportedly runs a local fireworks business and was licensed to handle them.