Authorities in North Carolina say a car explosion that left one person injured was caused by a combination of a lit cigarette and a highly flammable aerosol spray inside the vehicle.
The incident happened on the evening of June 11 near the Gamewell Superette along U.S. 64 in Caldwell County. Emergency crews responded after reports of an explosion involving a Kia Soul parked outside the business.
Photos released by officials showed extensive damage to the vehicle. The force of the blast blew out the windows, buckled the doors and caused the roof to partially detach.
One person suffered burns and was taken to hospital. A child who was also inside the vehicle at the time escaped without serious injury, according to officials.
Investigators Trace Cause to Aerosol Can
Authorities later determined that the explosion was caused by a duster-type aerosol product containing highly flammable chemicals.
Investigators said the child had been using the aerosol spray inside the vehicle when an adult occupant lit a cigarette. The ignition source caused the vapours inside the enclosed car to ignite, triggering the explosion.
County officials said the product contained propane, isobutane, n-butane, and hydrocarbon propellants, all substances that can become extremely dangerous when exposed to open flames or sparks.
Emergency responders described the incident as a tragic accident and urged people to exercise caution when using aerosol products around any source of ignition.
Emergency Crews Responded Quickly
Firefighters and emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion and treated the injured occupant before transporting them to the hospital.
Officials did not identify the injured person or specify whether it was the adult smoker or the child who required treatment. They confirmed only that one person suffered burns.
The incident drew the attention of local residents and highlighted the dangers posed by everyday products that are often stored or used without a full understanding of their flammable properties.
First responders praised those at the scene for quickly contacting emergency services and ensuring help arrived as rapidly as possible.
The blast caused major damage to the vehicle, but fortunately, no one outside the car was injured.
Officials Issue Safety Warning
Following the investigation, authorities issued a reminder about the risks associated with aerosol products and smoking in confined spaces.
Experts warn that many common household and automotive products contain pressurised chemicals capable of igniting when exposed to flames, cigarettes or electrical sparks. Because vapours can accumulate quickly inside enclosed areas such as vehicles, even a small ignition source can lead to a powerful explosion.
Officials encouraged the public to read warning labels carefully and avoid using sprays containing flammable propellants near any heat source.
The incident in Caldwell County serves as a stark reminder that ordinary items can become hazardous when combined under the wrong conditions.
Although one person was injured, authorities said the outcome could have been far worse. The case has prompted renewed calls for increased awareness about the dangers of smoking around flammable substances and the importance of keeping aerosol products away from children.