A man’s shopping trip with his daughter took a terrifying turn when his e-cigarette battery exploded in his pocket, causing severe burns to his leg. Robert Kane described the pain as akin to having his leg placed in an oven, with corrosive battery acid eating through his thigh and lower leg. Doctors informed the 37-year-old that his injuries were among the worst they had seen. He is now warning other vapers of the potential dangers, likening the experience to carrying a “ticking time bomb” in their pockets.
Robert had switched to vaping in April 2019 as a supposedly healthier alternative to smoking, following government advice. On a trip to Baguley, Wythenshawe with his daughter, his trousers suddenly started fizzing and sparking like a firework outside B&M. Describing the ordeal, he emphasised the need for awareness about the dangers of e-cigarettes. Despite hoping vaping would be safer, he now has lifelong scars and has returned to smoking traditional cigarettes.
Following the incident, Robert took legal action against the vape shop and received over £20,000 in compensation. Recounting the moment the battery exploded in his pocket, he shared the intense burning pain and the subsequent medical treatment he underwent, including skin peeling and muscle exposure. After a 12-day hospital stay and a difficult recovery period, he now warns others not to keep batteries in their pockets due to the risk of explosions.
Catherine Citron, a personal injury specialist, addressed the incident, highlighting the unexpected severity of Robert’s injuries from a shop-bought e-cigarette battery. Expressing the need for appropriate safety advice from shops selling e-cigarettes, she emphasised the importance of caution when handling such devices. Robert’s harrowing experience serves as a cautionary tale for vapers, urging them to prioritise safety and avoid potential risks associated with e-cigarette batteries.