Vape Cigarette Explosion Burns Man, Sparks Fire In Manchester: Police

MANCHESTER, NJ — A vape cigarette explosion burned a Manchester Township man's face and eyes and started a small fire at a home in the Whiting section on Tuesday, police said Wednesday.

Police were called to the home on the 1300 block of New Brunswick Avenue at 7:18 p.m. Tuesday for a report of a small explosion and a fire, Lt. Vincent Manco said.

Upon arrival, Patrolman Matthew Juralewicz learned that a 21-year-old male had been injured by an explosion involving a vape cigarette. The explosion caused burns to the man's face and eyes, and a cut on his nose, Manco said. As a result of the explosion, the liquid in the vape cigarette fell on the floor and ignited a fire that caused heat and smoke damage in a bedroom and hallway, he said.

The 21-year-old and another person who had been in the home got out safely before police arrived, Manco said.

Quality Medical Transport took the 21-year-old victim to Community Medical Center for further treatment, he said. Whiting Volunteer Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire before it spread and caused further damage.

Members from the Ocean County Fire Marshal's Office, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department responded to assist with the investigation, Manco said.

Photos via Manchester Township Police