Shocking moment e-cigarette explodes inches away from child's pram in busy shopping centre
A BABY had a lucky escape when a an e-cigarette battery exploded in a man's pocket just inches from the tot’s pram.
E-cigarette battery explodes inches from baby's pram
CCTV footage shows a plume of smoke billowing from a man’s trouser pocket before it erupts, fizzes and sends sparks flying as passersby scramble for safety.
The film - captured by security cameras at the Trinity Leeds shopping centre in West Yorkshire - were released by the fire brigade to demonstrate the danger of carrying spare e-cig batteries.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the explosion occurred when a spare lithium-ion battery in the man's pocket came into contact with another metal item, such as coins or keys.
An e-cigarette explodes in a man's pocket
This footage clearly shows the dangers of storing batteries alongside any metal objects, be it keys, coins, or even your phone if it has a metal case
The man was left with slight injuries and needed first-aid treatment.
Brigade chiefs say cases of exploding e-cig batteries are soaring across the UK.
Fire investigator Jamie Lister said: "This footage clearly shows the dangers of storing batteries alongside any metal objects, be it keys, coins, or even your phone if it has a metal case."
Sparks fly as an e-cigarette battery explodes in a man's pocket
Shoppers run for cover as an e-cigarette battery explodes
He continued: "This is not the first time we have seen injuries caused by a lithium-ion battery exploding whilst being carried in someone's pocket. We really want the public to understand the risks which can be easily avoided.
"There does not need to be a fault with the battery, the problem is the incorrect storage of the batteries."
The drama begins as the e-cigarette battery explodes
E-cigarette users have been warned to carry batteries in a plastic case to prevent them short circuiting.
Mr Lister said: "There has been a marked increase in the number of fires we have seen, attributable to the incorrect storage of batteries.
"The use of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries is now commonplace in modern society and that's why we want people to be vigilant because a simple mistake could have a devastating consequence."