The Vian Community Foundation (VCF) helped raise $1,916.94 for the local residents who were injured on July 2 while setting up a fireworks display for the Choctaw Nation.
According to reports, Devin Guthrie and his pyro crew were setting up for the Boom in the Valley fireworks show in Tuskahoma, when the entire display for the next night exploded, critically injuring three young men.
Cash Collins and Ely Smith of Vian, and Brad Lewallen of Keys, were all critically burned and suffered numerous broken bones. Harley Casey of Vian was also reportedly injured, sustaining minor burns from his groin to his ankle, but was released from the hospital the night of the accident.
Collins is burned over 95 percent of his body with third degree burns. Doctors said some burns are deep, and might be fourth degree burns.
First responders could not find a pulse in Collins’s leg but were able to find one later on. He has good vitals and as long as they stay where they need to be, he will be going in for surgery.
He has already had surgery to alleviate the swelling in his body, and doctors have begun doing skin grafts to remove and replace the dead skin.
He is responsive and cooperating with nurses and doctors, and has tried to open his eyes and raise both arms.
Smith has third degree burns, two broken legs, a broken wrist and ribs, as well as a small brain bleed. As of now, he is on three different medications for low blood pressure. Because his oxygen is low and his kidneys aren’t functioning, he will be put on dialysis, which will make his blood pressure even lower.
Doctors are also worried about some fluid on Smith’s lungs. He had to have surgery to alleviate the swelling of his body but his brain bleed has not gotten any worse.
Lewallen was burned about 70 percent and received third degree burns. He will undergo skin graft surgeries twice a week for the next four weeks. He has reported injuries to his lungs but doctors said they are looking better and he is being administered antibiotics to help. He is heavily sedated, but still following commands.
So Vian did what they are notorious for, they helped out their fellow Wolverines, and other towns did, too.
Four volunteers stood with red buckets at the entrances and exits to Armstrong Park on Thursday to accept cash donations for both Collins and Smith, who have a long road of recovery ahead of them.
The VCF was able to raise just under $2,000 to help them and their families, and the town of Roland and City of Sallisaw stepped up, too, taking in monetary donations. Those amounts have not been confirmed as of press time, Monday afternoon.
Several fundraisers are already in the works and the NEWS will list those events as they become available.
The Foundation went on to recognize Derek Locust and Eric “Stank” Samuels as Vian’s Favorite Sons, and Justus “Tuffy” Christie as the Mayor’s Choice for Favorite Son following the Lane Lowder concert at the amphitheater.
The VCF also recognized Tommy Wright and the five Vian TSA students who placed at Nationals in Nashville, Tenn. last week.
Monetary donations for Collins and Smith can still be made through the VCF by writing a check and putting “Cash and Ely” in the memo.
They can also be made by searching their names online at Go-FundMe.com.
