The horrifying moment a firework exploded in the face of a teenage boy on Christmas Day has been captured on CCTV.
The 19-year-old was declared dead at a fenced-off construction site at Kalkallo, north Melbourne, at 9.10pm on Wednesday.
CCTV footage showed the explosion, while another camera captured a man, believed to be the victim’s friend, screaming shortly afterwards.
‘F***,’ the man could be heard shouting.
The teen, from Whittlesea in Melbourne’s northeast, died instantly from critical injuries sustained in the blast and it’s understood the firework exploded in his face.
His devastated parents were seen collecting his car on Boxing Day morning.
Acting Senior Sergeant Fiona Parvin said she could not comment on whether the firework was homemade.
‘It is extremely distressing for the family and obviously, friends of this person,’ Act Snr Sgt Parvin told 7News.
Victoria Police did not confirm if the firework (pictured exploding) was homemade
The teenage boy was killed instantly in the blast (pictured, police arrive at the scene)
‘It’s a day that they will never ever see in the same way. It’s tragic.’
Act Snr Sgt Parvin reminded the public that setting off fireworks is illegal in Victoria except by licensed pyrotechnicians.
‘Fireworks should not be handled by the public,’ she said.
‘Don’t touch them, don’t pick them up, they are an explosive.
‘They’re highly volatile, they need to be handed by professionals.’
Residents confirmed there was a large hole in the fencing around the construction site, which is situated next to a housing estate.
Detectives are investigating and a report will be prepared for the coroner.