A Valley Stream man is recovering after a snowblower accident at his home.

Nassau police tell News 12 the incident happened around 9:30 a.m. on Guenther Avenue in Valley Stream.

Officials say an 81-year-old had his middle finger and part of his index and pinkie fingers amputated.

Dr. Roger Simpson, of the Long Island Plastic Surgical Group, says snowblowers can be unknowingly jump-started by a spring mechanism inside the machine, after a user dislodges packed snow or a stuck item.

He says that earlier this month, his group treated between 15 and 18 patients for snowblower-related injuries, including sawed off fingertips and amputated fingers.