A Palmerston man is counting himself lucky after an incident during Territory Day celebrations on July 1 in which a firework was ignited while positioned in an unusual and hazardous manner. Michael Andersen, 36, reportedly had a rocket firework inserted in his backside while celebrating with friends in his backyard. The event, recorded by friends and widely shared on social media, drew significant attention amidst the annual Northern Territory holiday known for its fireworks displays.
Andersen, who moved to the territory recently and was marking only his second Territory Day, described the moment as a mix of excitement and apprehension. “I was just hoping it fired the right way,” he said. “I’ve never clenched so hard in my life.” Despite the risks, he escaped serious injury, noting minor singeing but no lasting discomfort. He attributed his survival to careful positioning and a measure of luck, emphasizing that he would not attempt anything more extreme going forward.
Friends assisted in the unusual fireworks setup, with Andersen lying flat to achieve the desired orientation for the rocket. After the ignition, he experienced a brief burning sensation but no lasting damage. Andersen, who works as a butcher, reflected on his history of risky behavior, recalling a prior incident when he suffered burns covering much of his body. Still, he expressed enthusiasm for celebrating Territory Day again next year, wishing for an extended period of festivities rather than just one day.
An anonymous medical professional from Royal Darwin Hospital, who reviewed footage of the incident, cautioned against such behavior, though expressed a degree of respect for Andersen’s physical resilience. “I wouldn’t generally recommend it to my patients,” the doctor said, adding, “but if he wants to push the boundaries of what the anus can handle – all power to him.”
Andersen’s experience follows a tradition of unusual and dangerous Territory Day antics. In 2012, Alex Bowden, 23, of Wagaman, Darwin, gained notoriety after a similar stunt resulted in serious burns to his buttocks and fingers. Another incident in 2018 involved a participant igniting a firework in their backside and running around while the device burned, underscoring the ongoing risks associated with such acts.
Despite these occasional high-profile events, health officials and emergency services reported fewer firework-related injuries during this year’s celebrations. Northern Territory emergency departments indicated that the overall number of incidents was down, suggesting that many participants observed safety precautions more diligently than in previous years.
Territory Day, known for widespread public fireworks usage, often inspires both festive and reckless behavior. Andersen’s viral video has spurred mixed reactions online but also contributed to ongoing conversations about the balance between celebration and safety during the annual event.