Horror as Vape Device Explodes in Man’s Mouth — Leaves Him Severely Disfigured

1. A Routine Vape Break Turns to Nightmare

What began as a casual vaping break ended in unimaginable horror when a young man’s e-cigarette exploded in his mouth, leaving him with life-altering facial injuries. The shocking incident occurred late Friday afternoon in a small apartment complex, turning what should have been an ordinary moment into a scene of chaos and blood.

Neighbors reported hearing a loud “bang” followed by screams. “It sounded like a firecracker going off inside the building,” said Melissa Torres, who lives in the apartment next door. “Then I heard someone shouting for help — it didn’t sound human.”

When emergency responders arrived, they found the 24-year-old victim — identified as Ethan Cole — lying on the kitchen floor, covered in blood. His vape pen had detonated with such force that pieces of metal and battery fragments were embedded in the walls and ceiling.

2. The Explosion That Changed Everything

According to investigators, the device’s lithium-ion battery likely overheated and exploded while Ethan was taking a deep drag. The blast shattered several of his teeth, tore through his upper lip and cheek, and caused severe burns to his face and hands.

“It’s one of the worst vape-related injuries we’ve ever seen,” said Fire Department Captain Daniel Ruiz, who was among the first on the scene. “The pressure inside those devices can be equivalent to a small hand grenade when they fail.”

Photos from the aftermath — too graphic to publish — show the remains of the device scattered across the kitchen counter. The battery casing had ruptured completely, and the mouthpiece was blown apart into razor-sharp fragments.

3. A Race Against Time

Paramedics rushed Ethan to St. Mary’s Trauma Center, where surgeons spent over six hours trying to reconstruct his face. Doctors confirmed that he suffered a broken jaw, deep lacerations, and third-degree burns, as well as partial vision loss in one eye.

“He’s lucky to be alive,” said Dr. Natalie Kim, the lead reconstructive surgeon. “The explosion happened just inches from his brainstem. A slightly different angle, and we would be talking about a fatality.”

Family members said Ethan had been vaping for three years after quitting cigarettes. He had recently switched to a new model of vape device purchased online, which authorities now suspect may have contained counterfeit or faulty battery parts.

4. Family in Shock

Ethan’s mother, Karen Cole, spoke briefly to reporters outside the hospital, holding back tears. “He thought vaping was safer,” she said. “That’s what they all say — that it’s better than smoking. But now my son’s face is gone.”

Friends describe Ethan as an outgoing young man with a love for cars, music, and gaming. He worked as a part-time mechanic while studying computer science. “He was just hanging out, relaxing like always,” said his roommate Jason Lee. “Then I heard this explosion — I ran in, and he was on the ground, bleeding everywhere. I’ll never forget that sight.”

5. The Hidden Danger of Vape Devices

Experts warn that the incident highlights a growing but underreported danger associated with vaping — battery explosions caused by overheating, damage, or poor manufacturing.

“Most people don’t realize how volatile these batteries are,” explained Dr. Michael O’Connor, a fire safety specialist. “When lithium-ion batteries are cheaply made or used incorrectly, they can go into what’s called ‘thermal runaway,’ leading to violent explosions.”

According to data from the U.S. Fire Administration, there have been over 2,000 vape-related explosions and fires reported in the past decade — many resulting in serious injuries or death. Yet because most cases don’t make headlines, the true number is likely much higher.

Many of these incidents involve devices bought from unregulated online sellers or modified with high-powered batteries designed to increase vapor output. “It’s a ticking time bomb,” O’Connor added. “The industry is largely self-regulated, and safety standards are inconsistent at best.”

6. Investigation Underway

Local authorities have launched an investigation into the vape brand and supplier responsible for the device. Initial findings suggest that Ethan’s vape pen may have used a rebranded lithium battery imported from an overseas manufacturer with a history of product recalls.

“The device had no serial number and no safety certification marks,” said Investigator Carla Reynolds from the Consumer Protection Bureau. “We’re working with federal agencies to trace the distribution chain and determine whether counterfeit components were involved.”

Meanwhile, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued repeated warnings about unapproved vaping products, particularly those purchased online or from unofficial distributors. “Consumers often have no idea what they’re inhaling — or what kind of power source they’re putting near their face,” Reynolds added.

7. The Cost of a Trend

The vaping industry, valued at over $20 billion globally, markets itself as a “safer alternative” to smoking. But for many victims like Ethan, that promise comes at a devastating price.

“He’s facing multiple surgeries,” said Dr. Kim. “We’ll need to rebuild parts of his jaw and nose using bone grafts. It’s not just cosmetic — he’ll need help to speak and eat again.”

Psychologists warn that beyond physical trauma, survivors of such explosions often suffer severe post-traumatic stress and body image issues. “These are young people — teenagers, twenty-somethings — suddenly facing disfigurement for life,” said Dr. Laura Green, a clinical psychologist. “It’s emotionally shattering.”

8. A Mother’s Plea

As Ethan remains in intensive care, his mother has turned her grief into a warning for others. “Please, if you have kids who vape, tell them to stop,” Karen pleaded. “It’s not worth your face, your life, or your future. My son is proof of that.”

Her message has since gone viral after local media shared her emotional statement. Thousands of comments have poured in — many from other parents, former smokers, and even ex-vapers who say they’re quitting after hearing Ethan’s story.

“He wanted to breathe easier,” one comment read. “Now he’s fighting just to breathe at all.”

9. A Growing Crisis

As hospitals across the country report similar injuries — from pocket explosions to fires caused by charging vape devices overnight — experts are calling for stricter safety regulations, including certified batteries, mandatory warnings, and consumer education campaigns.

“Until there’s accountability,” said Dr. O’Connor, “we’ll keep seeing young people maimed by devices that were supposed to help them quit smoking.”

For now, Ethan’s recovery will take months — possibly years. Doctors say he will need multiple reconstructive surgeries and therapy before he can return to anything close to a normal life.

The once-popular device that promised a “smoke-free future” has instead left behind another kind of smoke — the acrid, haunting scent of burnt metal and broken promises.