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A celebration in the United States turned grim after a man was killed when a cannon exploded at a baby shower.
The 26-year-old, identified as Evan Thomas Silva, was taken to the hospital after the incident. He died from his injuries on Saturday, Feb. 6, NBC 25 reported yesterday, Feb. 7.
Michigan State Police said that a Gaines Township homeowner had a small cannon, similar to that of a Signal Cannon. It was fired on Saturday night in the homeowner’s backyard to celebrate the new baby. However, the cannon wound up exploding; metal and shrapnel hit three parked cars and the victim.
Silva was about 10 to 15 feet away from the cannon when it blew up. It was not reported if he was a host or guest of the party.
The homeowner bought the cannon at an auction and fired it a number of times prior to the incident, police said. It was meant to make a big flash, loud noise and emit smoke. Police suspect that the gun powder used in the cannon may have caused it to fracture.
Police, along with the Michigan State Police bomb squad and the Gaines Township Fire Department, responded to the scene. An investigation is underway. Niña V. Guno/JB
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