What to Know
- Otis Gooding was working at Grand Central Nov. 23 when the e-cigarette exploded in his pants; he suffered third-degree burns
- Electronic cigarettes and other battery-operated electronic smoking devices occasionally do catch fire
- Last year, the feds issued a rule prohibiting e-cigs from being packed in checked luggage to avoid fire risk
The man severely burned when the battery of an e-cigarette exploded in his pants at Grand Central Terminal last month has been released from the hospital.
Otis Gooding, an employee of Central Cellars in the transit hub who was working at the time of the explosion, left the hospital in a wheelchair, his hand and leg bandaged, dramatic scars still visible.
Gooding had skin graft surgery to repair the injuries he suffered Nov. 23 when the e-cigarette erupted in his pocket, sending sparks flying.
Central Cellars assistant manager John Lee said it looked like fireworks went off.
Local
Electronic cigarettes and other battery-operated electronic smoking devices occasionally do catch fire.
Last year, the federal Department of Transportation issued a rule prohibiting passengers from packing e-cigarettes in checked luggage to protect against in-flight fires.
