E-Cigarette Explosion Leaves British Man with Fourth-Degree Burns (Photos)

A man from Somerset suffered horrific fourth-degree burns after his e-cigarette battery exploded like a "Roman candle" in his pocket.

James Vearncombe, 49, described how his skin was burned after the battery exploded in his ripped jeans.

Mr. Vearncombe is now living with scars and faces the need for skin grafts.

A resident of Burnham-on-Sea, he had to be taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol, where he was treated.

Below is Mr. Vearncombe holding the battery and how his leg looks now.

He was charging the battery and trying to get it out of his pants when it got hot. However, it was too late, and he was left with severe burns on his leg and hand, which meant he had to stay in the hospital for four days.

He told the Sunday People: "I was too late; it exploded a hole in my jeans, and flames shot down my leg like a Roman candle."

"I ripped my jeans off and poured water on my leg from the sink," he continued.

"Then I ran into the garden and used the hose. My skin was hanging off."

He spent four days in the hospital being treated for second, third, and fourth-degree burns.

The businessman said: "I am now recovering and have been told it may take 18 months to heal, but I will have scars forever."

His wife Amanda, 45, said: "We want to remind people that these e-cigarettes can be dangerous. The doctors in the hospital said they have seen several people come in with burns."