**Dad’s Leg ‘Exploded’ When Shopping With Daughter After ‘Ticking Timebomb’ Went Off in Pocket**
A dad has shared his harrowing experience when his e-cigarette battery burst into flames inside his pocket. Robert Kane described the pain as similar to having his leg placed in an oven, as the corrosive battery acid burnt through his thigh and lower leg. At 37 years old, he was informed by doctors that his injuries were among the most severe cases they had encountered. Kane is now cautioning other vapers that their devices could be akin to carrying a potential time bomb in their pockets.
Kane had turned to vaping as a healthier alternative following government advice, but the incident occurred while he was shopping with his daughter in Baguley, Wythenshawe. His trousers suddenly started fizzing and sparking outside a B&M store, resembling a firework. He emphasised the urgency of raising awareness about the dangers of e-cigarettes, sharing his intense pain and the lasting scars it has left him with.
After the e-cig battery detonated, burning through three layers of skin, Kane pursued legal action against the vape shop and was awarded over £20,000 in compensation. Despite switching to e-cigarettes in April 2019 for their perceived health benefits, he highlighted the absence of safety instructions regarding the battery’s storage when he made the purchase.
Following a lengthy recovery period, which barred him from sun exposure for 18 months due to the risk of UV rays, Kane is now adamant that external battery-powered e-cigarettes should be handled with extreme caution. His advice is straightforward: never keep batteries in your pocket and always store them in a secure carry case to prevent potential explosions.
Personal injury specialist Catherine Citron, who helped secure compensation for Kane, stressed the importance of e-cigarette retailers providing comprehensive safety advice to prevent similar incidents. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unforeseen dangers associated with e-cigarettes and the lasting impact it can have on individuals.
By Sophie Buchan Money and Lifestyle Writer
Published on: 10th October 2024
Source: Wales Online