Reformed smoker treated for second-degree burns after e-cig explodes in his pants

A reformed US smoker might be lamenting his decision to quit the durries after being treated for second-degree burns when his e-cigarette exploded in his pants.

Josh Hamilton was browsing through a Shell service station in Owensboro, Kentucky on the weekend when the battery in his vaping device spontaneously combusted in his hip pocket.

Luckily Mr Hamilton appeared to be wearing his trousers low and was quick to react when the inhaler suddenly began blasting foot-long jets of white-hot flame through his jeans with the ferocity of a Roman candle.

Having burned its way out of his pants, the device, now a ball of fire, appeared to follow Mr Hamilton as he ran out of the shop, hastily unfastening his belt as the attendant manning the servo reached for the fire extinguisher.

Also fortunate is the fact that the e-cig blew up while Mr Hamilton was inside the shop, rather than standing near a pump or filling his car.

A goodly customer drove Mr Hamilton to Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, where he was treated for burns on his leg.