Boy, 11, hospitalised after toy gun capsules explode

A Perth boy has been hospitalised with serious burns to his hands after gunpowder capsules in a Halloween-related toy exploded.

The High Wycombe boy, 11, was opening ring-caps to load into a cap gun when several of the capsules exploded, leaving him with second-degree burns described by Western Australia’s Consumer Protection as “serious”.

The incident, which is being investigated by Consumer Protection, has led to a wider warning over Halloween toys, costumes and accessories.

Acting executive director Penny Lipscombe said the body would be reporting to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission following their investigation, which would try to ascertain if there was “something fundamentally wrong with the product”.

Ms Lipscombe said the retailer has removed the product both in-store and online, and said the supplier and the retailer would be interviewed as a part of the investigation.

“We need to establish very quickly if this incident is one-off occurrence or if there is something fundamentally wrong with the product or its packaging that might render it dangerous to others,” she said.

Ms Lipscombe said consumers needed to be aware of the risks potentially posed by Halloween products, in particular flashing objects such as jack-o’-lanterns, fake candles, wands and torches that are powered by button batteries.

“Unfortunately the statistics on button batteries are concerning,” Ms Lipscombe said, adding that in Australia one child per month was seriously injured after swallowing or inserting a button battery.

“That’s why it’s so important when buying button battery-powered Halloween novelties that you check the battery compartment is secured with a screw or a similar fastener to prevent little ones gaining access, and that they are hardy enough to withstand rough treatment from little trick-or-treaters,” she said.

“Also, check that any toys or novelties are age appropriate and don’t pose choking hazards.”

Ms Lipscombe said children who were wearing dark costumes at Halloween should add glow sticks or reflective strips to improve visibility for others, and said to chose flame and fire resistant open-heat sources, such as jack-o’-lanterns and heaters.