Popular apps used to peddle illegal fireworks
Fourth of July is right around the corner, and along with it, the crack-and-hiss cacophony of fireworks, both legal and illegal.
When the sale of fireworks comes to mind, most might think the place to go would be a roadside stand or license store, but people across the Coachella Valley are using new means to sell fireworks. Popular apps like Letgo and OfferUp, which are typically used to sell clothing, furniture, and other items, are being abused by illicit fireworks sellers to auction off and distribute their wares.
Fireworks pose plenty of dangers whether they are illicit or not; thousands of people are injured, almost half under the age of 15, each Fourth of July in fireworks-linked accidents.
“So many of these injuries are cases where people have assumed the risk themselves,” said attorney Walter Clark, “They’re taking the risk of playing — unfortunately often impaired by drinking — and they get hurt.”
Outside of the physical risk taken on when using fireworks, the legal cost can be quite costly; violators can face fines of up to $3,500 or six months in jail for the use of illegal fireworks.
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Noticias en español: Telemundo 15
