Rapper and podcast host, 4xtra, suffered a severe injury during a Fourth of July celebration when a firework exploded in his hand, resulting in the loss of two fingers. Prior to the incident, the rapper had posted a video on social media in which he was seen holding fireworks and joking about causing an explosion.
In the video, 4xtra, who also co-hosts the No Jumper podcast and YouTube show, can be heard making playful threats about blowing someone up. Ironically, he ended up being the victim of his own joke when one of the fireworks detonated prematurely in his hand.
The severity of the injury was initially unclear, with some reports suggesting that the rapper had lost his entire hand. However, No Jumper owner Adam22 later clarified on his personal social media account that 4xtra had only lost two fingers. He also revealed that the rapper had temporarily lost his vision following the accident, but it had since returned.
Images of the gruesome injury began circulating on social media, causing shock and concern among fans. In response to the incident, 4xtra’s sister, Emily, set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the rapper’s medical expenses. In her appeal, she described her brother as someone who “lights up every room with his humor and energy” and asked for support in any form, from donations to prayers.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with fireworks. According to the Pew Research Center, more than 45,000 people visit the emergency room on July 4 and 5 each year, making Independence Day the holiday with the highest number of daily medical emergencies in the United States.
Dr. Ryan Marino, an ER doctor and associate professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, noted that while fireworks accidents often garner the most attention, there are many other causes of injuries during this time of year, including falls, broken bones, head injuries, and car accidents.
Dr. Robert Biernbaum, an emergency medicine physician in Fairport, New York, and the chief medical officer at WellNow Urgent Care, echoed these sentiments, stating that July 4th is a busy holiday for emergency rooms, with fireworks being a significant contributor to injuries.