Man dies after vape pen explodes and lodges shrapnel in his skull

It is believed to be the first US death from a vape pen explosion

A man has died after a vape pen exploded and lodged fragments into his skull, a post-mortem examination has found.

Tallmadge D’Elia also suffered burns to over 80% of his body after the fire on 5 May that was caused by an exploding e-cigarette, according to forensic officials.

The Tampa Bay Times have reported that Mr D’Elia was discovered by firefighters in the burning bedroom of his family home. The official post-mortem report states that the exploding e-cigarette had “sent two pieces of the vape pen into his cranium”.

The official cause of death was announced as a “projectile wound of head.” The report also said that the 38-year-old suffered “thermal injuries,” or burns, to roughly 80% of his body.