DIY jetpack sled explosion

A 62-year-old man from Independence Township suffered burns to 18 per cent of his body after an explosive backpack exploded in a backyard sledding stunt.

“Apparently, he has this sledding party every year, and he always does outrageous things at it, but he’s never blown himself up before,” Oakland County Undersheriff Mike McCabe told the paper.

The man, whose name was not released, was believed to have constructed the backpack from an old car muffler, which he filled with gasoline and gunpowder, “trying to get a rocket-launch effect”, Mr McCabe said.

“He asked another person to light a wick and then began to sled down a hill

"At some point during the ride, the device exploded."

Full article: Daily Telegraph - Sydney