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Man killed when cannon explodes at Michigan baby shower

GAINES TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A 26-year-old Michigan man died Saturday after a cannon exploded during a baby shower near Flint, multiple media outlets reported.

The blast, which occurred around 7:30 p.m. in Gaines Township, killed Evan Thomas Silva, MLive.com reported, citing a Michigan State Police news release.

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According to police, Silva was an attendee at the baby shower where the homeowner fired a small cannon-type device in the backyard as part of the festivities, the outlet reported.

The cannon, which authorities likened to a Signal Cannon, reportedly exploded, causing metal and shrapnel to hit the victim and three parked vehicles. The homeowner purchased the novelty item at an auction and had fired it several times before Saturday’s incident, WXYZ reported.

Although the cannon did not have any projectiles inside, it’s suspected that the gunpowder that was loaded into the device caused the cannon to fracture, which resulted in shrapnel being spread around the area, according to the TV station.

Silva was reportedly standing within 15 feet of the cannon when it exploded, MLive.com reported.