WASHINGTON COUNTY (KFSM) – Sequoyah County Police say an 8-year-old boy died after a legal explosive was misused.
The product used was Tannerite.
Tannerite is a product which gun enthusiasts can buy at local sporting goods stores.
“It is an explosive device,” said Sgt. Arlo Guthary, Washington County Sheriff’s Office Firearms Coordinator. “You never know what kind of shrapnel, or what kind of debris, it is going to send into the air. So, definitely, you need to maintain the distance that is recommended.”
Police say 8-year-old Jonathan Phelan was killed after, deputies say, his 22-year-old cousin put Tannerite in an outdoor stove, and exploded it.
Guthary explained to 5NEWS why Tannerite is sold at sporting good stores.
“It is designed, and used, to identify hits on targets,” Guthary said. “[When using Tannerite] mix it accordingly, the way it is designed to be mixed, the way it tells you to mix it up. You mix it up, and place it behind the target, and it will tell you, basically, when you hit it.”
When mixed, and fired upon, Tannerite explodes.
It creates a two-chemical reaction, causing a water vapor cloud.
The product clearly states on the label that, if used incorrectly, Tannerite could cause injury, or death.
For every pound of Tannerite set as a target, the company suggests shooters be at least 100 yards away.
“If you are too close, you are looking at concussion injuries and debris injuries, [from] shrapnel,” Guthary said. “If you have it near anything, it might kick it up and cause an injury that way.”
Law enforcement officials say you should never put the explosive in a small space, like what was done in Oklahoma.
“I wouldn`t put it in anything,” Guthary said. “You are just compounding the magnitude of the blast when you do that.”
According to the manufacturer, Tannerite is designed for long-distance target practice only.
In order to buy Tannerite, you have to be at least 21-years-old.