**Vape Battery Explosion Causes Severe Burns and PTSD for Woman in Dorset**
A horrific incident left Kerri Absolom, a 35-year-old woman from Dorset, in the hospital with third-degree burns after her vape battery exploded in her pocket. Kerri had been hurriedly leaving her house when she noticed smoke emanating from her pocket. The situation quickly escalated as the vape caught fire, forcing Kerri to be rushed to the hospital for extensive treatment. Kerri described the shocking moment, saying, “The smell of burnt flesh made me feel sick. I’m not squeamish, so I looked and was shocked to see my leg had been burnt to a crisp.”
In a frantic attempt to put out the flames, Kerri and her husband, Christopher, tried to remove her trousers as the battery continued to spark like a firework. Despite their efforts, the battery fell through her trousers onto the dog bed, causing further damage. Firefighters later revealed that the vape battery came into contact with Kerri’s keys, serving as a conductor that triggered the explosion. Following the harrowing ordeal, Kerri underwent extensive medical treatment, including a skin graft to aid in the healing process.
The physical and emotional toll on Kerri was immense, as she narrated her struggles with excruciating pain, allergic reactions to medication, and persistent fear and anxiety in the aftermath of the incident. The trauma experienced led to a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for Kerri, necessitating her to take time off work for recovery. Despite undergoing laser treatments to reduce scarring, Kerri continues to bear the physical reminders of the burns and grafts on her leg.
Kerri hopes that by sharing her traumatic experience, she can raise awareness about the potential dangers associated with vape batteries and prevent similar incidents from befalling others. She emphasised the importance of being vigilant with electronic devices and has since quit vaping altogether. Reflecting on the lasting impact of the incident, Kerri expressed her ongoing self-consciousness about her leg and the constant reminder of what could have been a catastrophic outcome had her son been near her during the explosion.
The repercussions of the vape battery explosion extended beyond physical injuries, highlighting the profound emotional distress and lasting trauma that can result from such accidents. Kerri’s cautionary tale serves as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance and safety measures when handling electronic devices, particularly those powered by lithium batteries. As she continues her journey towards recovery, Kerri remains grateful to have overcome a perilous situation and hopes to spare others from similar ordeals in the future.