Grocery Store Employee Burnt in Freak E-Cig Explosion

A 19-year-old worker for an Albertsons store in Ladera Ranch suffered moderate injuries today when one of two electronic cigarette batteries apparently exploded when they meshed with keys in his pocket.

The victim had injuries and blistering to 5 percent of his left thigh, Capt. Steve Concialdi of the Orange County Fire Authority said. He was examined around 5 p.m. and taken to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, Concialdi said.

The batteries were in a pocket-length section and the exploded unit blew about 15 feet down an aisle at the grocery store at 17702 Crown Valley Parkway, Concialdi said.

“Some cigarette batteries can explode and batteries should be carried separately from the body,” Concialdi said.

City News Service; Photos: Orange County Fire Authority