A self-styled stuntman’s pyrotechnic display went awry, Jan. 30, resulting in burns to more than 18 percent of his body.
Witnesses told police the 62-year-old resident hosts an annual sledding party at his home on Townview Drive north of Deer Lake, and is known for doing “crazy” things there.
This year plan included construction of an explosive device out of a motorcycle muffler and pipe, along with drinking alcoholic beverages, police said.
He filled the pipe with gunpowder, matchstick heads, and gasoline, sealed it with duct tape, and strapped it to his motorcycle helmet. He then put on a black plastic garbage bag as a cape and the helmet, with the pipe over his left shoulder, saying something like “here I go, like Darth Vader,” witnesses said.
He lay on the sled and asked a neighbor to light the wick, which he did, backing away quickly. The victim hoped for a flare-like blast from the pipe as he was sledding down the hill, police said, but just as he started, the pipe exploded with a loud thud and flash. Witnesses ran down the hill, saw he was burned, and called 911.
The victim suffered second degree burns to his face and neck, and serious flash burns to one eye. No one else was injured. Independence Township firefighters and deputies responded at 7:35 p.m., and rushed the victim to POH where he was listed in good condition.
A fire investigator from Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, BATF special agent, and Independence Township fire marshal examined the scene, taking into evidence the pipe, helmet, and sled.
Checking the home, it appeared the garage area may have been cleaned prior to arrival of emergency personnel. No fireworks or gunpowder containers were found.
The investigation remains open pending possible criminal charges.