Willimantic Man Loses 2 Fingers When Ceremonial Musket Explodes in Hands

A Willimantic resident lost two fingers when he mishandled a ceremonial-style musket in his driveway Wednesday evening, according to police.

Police said a 39-year-old man poured too much gunpowder into the musket before firing it off in his driveway. The excess gunpowder put pressure on the chamber, causing the musket to explode in his hands.

The man lost two fingers on his left hand. Family members brought him to the emergency room at Windham Hospital, according to police.

Police are investigating and have seized the musket as evidence. The man has not been publicly identified and no charges have been filed.

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