A young man has tragically passed away in a bizarre baby shower accident involving the use of a cannon.
The incident took place in Hartland, Michigan, where 26-year-old Evan Thomas Silva sustained fatal injuries while attending a gender reveal party.
According to the reports, the parents-to-be organized a garden party to announce the gender of their incoming baby, whereas Silva was a close friend of the family.
During the gender reveal, the family and guests attempted to make the big reveal while firing a small cannon. The plan, however, backfired as the device exploded and sent sharp pieces flying in all directions.
Besides several vehicles getting damaged, one metal shrapnel managed to strike Silva. After the accident, the 26-year-old was rushed to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. According to the authorities, Silva did not fire the cannon and was standing some 10 to 15 feet away when the cannon exploded.
“[The cannon was] similar to a signal cannon. The cast material exploded and sent projectiles in all directions,” Lt. Liz Rich of Michigan State Police explained.
“The homeowner reported it had been shot several times. If there aren’t regular inspections on a device like this, the cast material can wear away.”
While the case remains under investigation, it has so far been revealed that the cannon, which was purchased at an auction, was previously fired on several occasions.
“The cannon is designed to create a big flash, a loud noise and create smoke. The cannon did not contain any projectiles, but it is suspected that the gun powder loaded into the device caused the cannon to fracture, resulting in shrapnel being spread in the area,” the police added in a statement.
Following the unfortunate accident, Silva’s brother, Phil, paid a tribute to the young man and said he will be greatly missed by his friends and family.
Meanwhile, experts on the matter have warned about the dangers of the use of cannons. “Simply loading the wrong type of gunpowder, or loading too much gunpowder in there can take an open-ended cannon and turn it into a bomb,” Sheridan Arms CEO, Phil Sheridan, told ABC12.
Our thoughts are with Silva’s family and friends during these tough times.
Replaced!