4 hurt as cannon explodes in faces

FOUR people have been hurt, two seriously, after a cannon blew up in their faces when it was fired as part of a celebration party.

A group of eight people were gathered in the house in Caen, Normandy, to celebrate after the house-owner’s brother had passed his Capes teaching degree.

They were in the garden when the 49-year-old owner decided to fire the antique cannon, about 50cm long and formerly mounted on a ship’s bridge.

The accident happened at about 22.00 when the cannon exploded, injuring him in the abdomen. His 36-year-old sister was also severely injured in the thigh by the blast.

Two other guests received minor injuries. The victims were taken to the emergency unit at Caen hospital where they were said to be out of danger.

The cannon, made of cast iron and bronze and mounted on a small trolley, had been charged with gunpowder and a paper ball when it blew up.
Photo (for illustration only) Dixiegunworks