Claremont Councilman Joe Lyons sustained significant injuries to his hand yesterday afternoon while cutting wood at his Claremont residence, according to the city.

Mr. Lyons was airlifted from Claremont to County USC hospital, where he underwent an 8-hour surgery to repair what was described as a severed thumb and index finger. He remains at USC. No further details were provided but we will keep you updated as information becomes available.

[UPDATED: Wednesday, April 24] It was confirmed that Mr. Lyons lost his right index finger in the accident. Doctors worked to reattach his right thumb and will need to wait a few days to see is the surgery was successful. He remains at the hospital.]