WASHINGTON (7News) – Residents in Michigan and North Carolina experienced terrifying moments when their glass shower doors spontaneously exploded, with the force likened to an explosion or gunfire. The aftermath of these incidents, captured in photos, reveals the dangerous consequences of such unexpected shattering.
Susan Fisher of Michigan described the experience as “scary” and “a mess,” recalling the loud explosion she heard at 3 a.m. while Kai Hazel of North Carolina compared it to being shot. Both incidents, involving shower doors violently exploding, were unrelated and occurred hundreds of miles apart.
Hazel, who was in the shower when it happened, suffered cuts and injuries from the shattered glass, highlighting the serious safety concerns associated with such incidents. The startling effects extended even to Hazel’s family who were in the next room and were also affected by the loud explosion.
Not limited to residential homes, another case was discovered at a Boston hotel where a patron experienced a similar unexpected explosion in the glass shower doors, resulting in injuries.
The incidents are part of more than 6,000 complaints received by the Consumer Product Safety Commission from 2018 to 2022 regarding shattering shower glass doors, leading to numerous emergency room visits.
One expert explained that the phenomenon, known as nickel sulfide inclusion, occurs due to a defect in the manufacturing process, causing the glass to shatter unexpectedly over time. Another potential cause is improper installation, which can also lead to glass breakage.
In response to these incidents, advice was given on how to safeguard home shower enclosures, including the application of safety film to reduce injury risk and routine glass checks. It was also advised to ensure that the shower door remains on its track to prevent potential safety hazards. The safety alert regarding tempered glass issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission emphasizes the importance of reporting such incidents to the manufacturer and the commission for entitlement to replacements and to address federal safety standards for shower doors.