In a gruesome incident caught on camera that illustrates just how dangerous tannerite can be, a Georgia man had his leg sheared off below the knee from a piece of shrapnel.
The 32-year-old shooter reportedly packed an old lawnmower with three pounds of tannerite, based on a story by Athens Online. In the graphic video, which you can view below, he fires a few shots before moving to about 25 yards away. Far too close with way too much explosive, experts caution.
He then fires another round that sets off the blast sending part of the rusted lawnmower as shrapnel careening toward the camera and the shooter. One of the shreds slices through his leg, which he quickly realizes and pleads for help in a horrifying scene.
The friends managed to call 911 and get him to the driveway of the property before an ambulance arrived and had him airlifted out, according to the Loganville Local News.
Tannerite exploding targets have become extremely popular in recent years. Sold at many outdoor stores and gun dealers, they are made of a combination of ammonium nitrate and aluminum powder, which shaken together forms a volatile mix that can be triggered on impact. Used properly at a reasonable distance they are perfectly safe, but some people get out of hand.
The Walton County Sheriff’s office took the opportunity to remind folks to be careful.
“Yes, it is legal and no, we can’t make people stop doing it. But why, folks, just why?” the office urged on its Facebook page. “Please adhere to the warnings and use this dangerous material with caution or maybe consider other less dangerous hobbies. It’s just not worth it for a loud boom!”
