Americans know the best way to celebrate Independence Day is to terrorize your friends, neighbors, and loved ones with foolish pyrotechnic stunts.

What is the Fourth of July without setting yourself on fire or writing "PENIS" in the air with a sparkler? Just as this nation declared its independence in 1776, so too will you declare your freedom to explode this homemade bottle rocket despite the protests from everyone else at the barbeque.

So in observation of America's deadliest holiday, I've compiled an uncomprehensive list of fireworks accidents from around the world—some tragic, some stupid, and some just funny. (But seriously, consumer fireworks are banned in many states and for good reason, and you should brush up on your own local laws.)

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