Connecticut Woman Blows Off Hand After Mistaking Dynamite for Candle During Blackout

Photo: News 12 Connecticut

A Connecticut woman was hospitalized after she accidentally mistook a stick of dynamite for a candle.

According to Police SpokesmanAv Harris, the woman was rushed to Bridgeport Hospital immediately after the incident. She was later transferred to Yale New Haven Hospital.

“She suffered extreme injuries to one of her hands,” Harris said. “She also suffered serious injuries to her face.”

The unidentified woman, her husband and their two children were at home on Thursday when they lost power after severe storms swept through the area. The familyallegedly tried to goto Home Depot to purchase backup lighting, but the store was closed.

When the woman lit the object, it exploded in her hand and blew out at least one window in the home. In addition to the trauma to her face, Assistant Fire Chief Michael Caldaroni confirmed on Thursday evening that the mother-of-two had also lost several fingers.

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Though the woman’s husband and children were present at the time, they were not hurt in the incident.

Surrounding homes in the area were also searched as a precaution. No other explosive devices were discovered.

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It is still unclear as to why the previous homeowners had dynamite in their basement.

Police are reminding homeowners to keep backup battery-operated, glow stick or hand-cranked lighting available in case of emergencies. They are also advising residents to be aware of any unfamiliar items in their home that seem fire-related and to immediately report them to the local fire department if observed.

source: people.com