NH Man Seriously Burned When Chinese-Made Vaporizer Battery Explodes

Photo: Matthew Gilson recovering from serious burns after his vaporizer battery exploded in his pocket. (Credit: WMUR)

TILTON, NH — A Moultonborough man suffered third-degree burns when his vaporizer battery exploded in his pocket.

• Next on NH Patch: Trump Hosting Nashua Town Hall This Week

Matthew Gilson, 26, a machinist from Moultonborough, said he purchased the vaporizer in an attempt to quit cigarettes. The explosion happened at his Tilton workplace; a camera captured footage (in video above) that shows smoke pouring from his pocket as he tries to pull the vaporizer out. The explosion burned through his pants and boxers. He suffered serious burns to his left leg and left hand.

“He was burned so badly, it was down to his flesh,” his mother told WMUR.

Gilson is expected to remain in the hospital for over a month for several skin grafts.

The lithium battery was manufactured by a Chinese company, according to WMUR.

There have been several reports across the country in recent years of people being seriously hurt from vaporizer batteries exploding. Last year, a Tennessee man was seriously hurt when his e-cigarette exploded in his face. In 2012, a Florida man lost part of his tongue and some of his teeth when an e-cigarette exploded in his mouth.