MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Investigators believe a lithium battery in an electronic cigarette exploded Monday, causing severe internal and external burns to a Naples man who is being treated at Kendall Regional Medical Center.
Evan Spahlinger's family said the incident happened just one week after his 21st birthday.
He now remains sedated in a hospital bed, suffering from severe burns after the e-cigarette he was smoking exploded in his face.
"I haven't cried yet, but I'm sure I'll have my day," his mother, Alissa Stefanicci, said.
Spahlinger's mother has been by his side since the accident Monday morning. His burns were so bad he was airlifted to Kendall Regional Medical Center's burn unit after his sister found him gasping for air in their Naples home.
"She went toward the explosion to find him completely covered in black, what appeared to be soot, throwing up (and) foaming from the mouth," Stefanicci said.
Doctors decided Tuesday to put Spahlinger in a medically induced coma. They said the blast also burned his lungs.
"I hope that people see this and think twice before they spend their hard-earned money on something that could really change their life forever," Stefanicci said.
Before being put into the coma, Spahlinger's family said he told them that he was done smoking e-cigarettes.
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