A Michigan man was killed Saturday during a baby shower when a small cannon used in the celebration exploded, according to a local ABC affiliate.
Evan Thomas Silva, a 26-year-old man from Hartland, Michigan, was hit by metal shrapnel in the explosion, ABC12 reported. Silva later died after he was taken to Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan, according to the outlet.
The blast also hit three parked cars and the garage where the party was taking place.
The 26-year-old from Hartland was standing only feet away when the cannon’s fuse was lit. It was supposed to create a big flash, noise and smoke. Instead, it produced a lifetime of heartache for the victim’s family.
— ABC12WJRT (@ABC12WJRT) February 8, 2021
Lt. Liz Rich of the Michigan State Police told the outlet that the device was “similar to a signal cannon.” Rich explained to the affiliate that the explosion “sent projectiles in all directions.” Rich said the cannon was previously used.
“If there aren’t regular inspections on a device like this, the cast material can wear away,” Rich said.
A pyrotechnic device used at a gender reveal party in California in August 2020 sparked what was labeled the El Dorado fire, according to the New York Times. The fire burned more than 22,000 acres, according to a government interagency information webpage. (RELATED: Woman Who Made Gender Reveal Party’s A Thing, Says ‘Stop Having These Stupid Parties’ After Wildfire Breaks Out)
“People are very creative in the gender reveals, but remember safety is always number one,” Rich told ABC12.