Gaines Township, Mich. – Police have identified the 26-year-old man who died Sunday after a novelty cannon exploded in Gaines Township, southwest of Flint. Original Story: 26-year-old man dies from explosion at Michigan baby showerAccording to authorities, Evan Thomas Silva was struck by shrapnel when the cannon exploded. Police said the cannon did not have a projectile and was designed to create a big flash, smoke and a loud noise. It had been fired multiple times before the baby shower with no issue. Police believe that the gunpowder that was loaded into the device caused it to fracture and spread shrapnel across the area.

In addition to Michigan State Police, the MSP Bomb Squad, Gaines Township Fire Department and Med Star Ambulance were called to the scene. Gaines Township, Mich. – A 26-year-old Hartland man died during an explosion that happened Saturday around 7:30 p.m. at a baby shower in Gaines Township, southwest of Flint. During the baby shower a small cannon type device was fired in the backyard as part of the celebration, according to police. When the cannon was fired by the homeowner it blew up and led to metal shrapnel striking three parked vehicles, garage where the baby shower was being held and the victim standing nearby. In addition to Michigan State Police, the MSP Bomb Squad, Gaines Township Fire Department and Med Star Ambulance were called to the scene.