Overview
- The accident happened around 5 a.m. in Jena, Louisiana, when Ashtyn Pitts awoke to a loud bang as his metal necklace heated and he called for help.
- He was rushed to an emergency room and then transferred to the LSU–Ochsner Burn Unit in Shreveport for treatment of severe burns to his neck and left hand.
- The family reports he is stable, expected to make a full recovery, and has recently returned to school while coping with lingering panic.
- According to his mother, a slight separation at the charger connection exposed the prongs, which may have allowed the metal chain to make contact; the charger was plugged into an extension cord.
- His mother has gone public with safety warnings, and the National Fire Protection Association advises against charging devices under pillows or on beds.