[GRAPHIC CONTENT] Starting gun’s cap explodes in Secunda boy’s hands
Mother urges schools and event organisers that use starter guns to ensure all the unused caps are picked up after every event
SECUNDA – The skin on a curious seven-year-old boy’s fingers was ripped and badly burned when he handled an unspent cap from a blank or starter gun on Tuesday, 29 January.
Ms Lizana Lottering took her boys for athletics training that afternoon.
Her youngest, Antoine Duvivier, was walking back to the starting line after his sprint and spotted some starter gun caps on the ground.
Some were spent, but there were also some caps that were still intact.
Being curious and inquisitive, Antoine tore open the cap and it ignited in his hands.
His fingers were badly burned, especially on the left index finger where the skin was ripped off.
“We took him to the hospital’s casualty ward where his hands were bandaged and he was given pain medication,” said Ms Lottering.
“I can only imagine what damage would have been caused if Antoine tried to tear it open with his teeth,” said Ms Lottering.
Antoine was back to his friendly self on Saturday at an athletics meeting of TP Stratten Primary School.
Ms Lottering wants to make other parents, teachers, officials and sport organisers aware of what happens when a starter gun cap is opened by hand.
“I never knew this can happen and I am not pointing fingers at anyone.
“I merely want to spread the word and raise awareness to prevent someone else from getting hurt.”
She urged schools and event organisers that use starter guns to ensure all the unused caps are picked up after any event.
A starter pistol is a blank handgun that is fired to start track and field races, as well as competitive swimming races at some meets.
According to online information, blank shells or caps are used to prevent expelling projectiles, and only a small amount of smoke can be seen when shot.
