Tiki Torches Causing Fatal Injuries in Texas and Other States
A decorative table torch should add beauty to an outdoor space but can bring tragedy.
In 2013, reports of exploding table torches purchased from Big Lots’ stores in Texas started making the news. Overall, there were reports of 20 torches exploding and in the end 30,000 of these torches were recalled. Unfortunately, by the time the recall happened many people had already been seriously injured, some fatally, prompting lawsuits to be filed years later.
Samples of the Injuries
The injuries caused by these torches are caused by the fuel erupting from the torches with high flames. All of the injuries reported were burn injuries ranging from mild to fatal.
In Egg Harbor Township in Pennsylvania, a woman was trying to blow out her table torch and when she turned around it exploded and set her on fire. She ended up with second and third-degree burns on her face, neck, and right hand.
In Texas, a man moved one of these torches and it exploded. The explosion caused the fuel from inside the torch to cover him and his entire body caught on fire. He ended up with third-degree burns covering 65 percent of his body and died 4 months later.
Description of the Product
Per the Consumer Product Safety Commission website:
“The recall involves large and small round tabletop torches that have a wick and burn citronella fuel. The large torches have a steel fuel container covered in multi-colored glass in a mosaic pattern. The large torch measures about 10 inches in diameter, 5 inches high, and weighs about 2 ½ pounds. The small torches have multi-colored glass fuel container with a metal and wire stand. The measure about 5 inches in diameter, 5 ½ inches high, and weigh about 1 pound. “Table Top Torch distributed by Big Lots, Inc.” and item #DC12-21111 (large torch) or item #DC10-20160 (small torch) is printed on a yellow label on the bottom of the large torch and on a hang tag on the small torch.”
If you have one of these torches, immediately stop using it and return any such torches to Big Lots for a full refund. In sum, do not use these torches. It’s not worth the risk!
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If you or a loved one were injured by a defective Tiki torch, please contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Michael S Callahan is an attorney and founder of The Callahan Law Firm. He focuses his practice on representing individuals and families in personal injury cases involving motor vehicle and truck accidents, workplace accidents and defective products. With over 25 years of experience, he is dedicated to fighting on behalf of people whose lives have been forever altered by the negligence and carelessness of corporations and individuals. Originally trained as a mechanical engineer, Michael has been practicing law and fighting for justice for those who need it most since 1994. He is board-certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and a member of various esteemed legal associations. Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending quality time with his family, outdoor activities, and continually striving to improve as a trial lawyer and human being.
