WHITMAN COUNTY, WA -- A 20-year-old Whitman County man is being treated for injuries he sustained when a homemade explosive device detonated prematurely.

Whitman County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the area near Red Wolf Bridge Sunday evening.

Joseph Brice was attempting to detonate an unknown amount of tannerite, commonly used for firearm targets, when the device went off.

According to the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office the blast was so powerful it ripped Brice’s pants off and threw him to the ground. His most serious injuries were to his legs.

He was airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital. On Monday, Brice was listed in critical condition.