December 10, 2025 – A consumer has reported an incident involving a Liberty lites 98 024 lighter, which reportedly exploded in their hand on November 23, 2025. The user, unaware of any potential recall, experienced the lighter detonating shortly after lighting a cigarette and accidentally bumping an ashtray. Fortunately, no apparent cuts or burns were sustained, though the user’s hand tingled for several hours following the incident.
Product Details
Incident Overview
The incident occurred on November 23, 2025, when a consumer was using a Liberty lites 98 024 lighter. The individual had just lit a cigarette and was in the process of setting the lighter down on a table when they accidentally bumped an ashtray. Before the lighter could be fully set down, it reportedly exploded in the user’s right hand. While there were no immediate visible cuts or burns, the consumer experienced a tingling sensation in their hand that persisted for several hours. The user expressed relief that there was no spark or more severe injury, acknowledging the potential for a much worse outcome. The consumer stated they were unaware of any recall pertaining to the product at the time of the incident.
Safety Concerns
The reported explosion of a Liberty lites 98 024 lighter poses significant safety concerns for consumers.
- Immediate Dangers: An exploding lighter presents an immediate risk of severe injury, including thermal burns, chemical burns (from fuel), lacerations from fragments, and blunt force trauma to the hands, face, and eyes. The force of an explosion, even a small one, can cause significant pain and injury.
- Long-Term Risks: While the immediate injuries might appear minor, the potential for long-term nerve damage, scarring, or psychological trauma from such an unexpected and violent incident cannot be overlooked. Invisible internal injuries or hearing damage from the blast could also be a concern depending on the intensity.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone using this specific model of lighter is at risk. Given lighters are common household items, this includes adults who smoke, those who use lighters for candles, grills, or other ignition needs, and potentially even children if the product is not stored securely (though lighters should always be kept out of reach of children).
- Property Damage Potential: An exploding lighter could not only injure the user but also ignite flammable materials nearby, leading to fires and extensive property damage. Had a spark occurred, as noted by the consumer, the situation could have escalated into a household fire.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Liberty lites 98 024 lighter, it is crucial to take immediate action to ensure your safety and that of others.
- Immediate Steps to Take: Stop using the Liberty lites 98 024 lighter immediately. Do not attempt to use it again, even if it appears functional.
- How to Check if You Own the Affected Product: Verify the brand name “Liberty lites” and the model number “98 024” printed on your lighter. If it matches, cease use.
- Prevention Measures: Safely dispose of the lighter according to local hazardous waste guidelines, or return it to the point of purchase if a recall is officially issued. Do not simply throw it in the regular trash. Ensure all lighters, regardless of brand, are stored away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and out of reach of children.
- Reporting Procedures: If you have experienced a similar incident or have concerns about this product, please report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Your report helps identify hazardous products and facilitates potential recalls.
Manufacturer’s Response
As of the date of this post, the manufacturer, POLYCITY ENTERPRISE LIMITED dba PURILITE, has not provided a response regarding this specific incident.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.