ALEXANDRIA — Douglas County authorities say a fireworks shell exploded in a man’s face this weekend, causing severe injuries to his face and eyes.

The sheriff’s department says 31-year-old Thomas Pierce was holding the mortar shell Saturday night. As he tried to light it, the shell exploded.

Pierce suffered scalding burns to his eyes and a deep cut to his face.

The Daily Journal of Fergus Falls says the accident happened about 10:45 p.m. near Lake Mary, some 10 miles southwest of Alexandria.