Springs Man Breaks Neck In Fall After E-Cigarette Explodes

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS4) - A Colorado Springs man was hospitalized after his family says an e-cigarette exploded in his face.

Coworkers say Cordero Caples fell to the ground when the e-cigarette exploded last Friday. His family says the fall broke his neck.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department is investigating.

Witnesses say it happened so fast.

"I just heard a loud explosion similar to a shotgun bang," coworker Brandon Nolan said.

"We all thought he got shot or somebody shot at him," coworker Andrew Holguin said.

Reports of e-cigarette explosions are rare but have happened all across the country. Industry experts say the cause was likely a problem with the battery, which needs to be checked regularly.