Clerk suffers third degree burns after e-cigarette explodes in his pocket

A man in the US has suffered third-degree burns when an e-cigarette exploded in his pocket.

Otis Gooding, 31, was chatting to co-workers at the New York City wine store where he works when his e-cigarette blew up on Wednesday, CNN reports.

The store's security cameras captured the moment of the blast, with the pen-shaped device appearing to explode and spit flames causing Mr Gooding to hop around wildly trying to extinguish the fire.

Mr Gooding's lawyer, Sanford Rubenstein, said his client suffered third-degree burns and will likely need surgery.

His colleague, John Lee, said the incident had left him traumatised.

"Otis ran water on himself 'til the paramedics came. I was traumatised to see someone hurt that way," he said.

There have been a number of similar incidents around the world as e-cigarettes and vaporisers become increasingly popular.

It is unclear what brand of e-cigarette exploded on Mr Gooding.

The US Tobacco Vapor Electronic Cigarette Association and the Smoke Free Alternatives Trade Association did not reply to requests to comment before the story went to air, CNN said.

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