This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-38730611
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
US man hails wife's pregnancy with blue smoke explosion | US man hails wife's pregnancy with blue smoke explosion |
(35 minutes later) | |
A US man who celebrated news that his wife was expecting a baby boy by setting off an explosion in Nebraska is facing police action which could result in a year in jail and a fine. | A US man who celebrated news that his wife was expecting a baby boy by setting off an explosion in Nebraska is facing police action which could result in a year in jail and a fine. |
Tree surgeon Jon Sterkel told the BBC he used an explosive rifle target which sent blue smoke billowing into the air. | Tree surgeon Jon Sterkel told the BBC he used an explosive rifle target which sent blue smoke billowing into the air. |
The blast was reportedly so loud that it was heard nearly 5km (3 miles) away. | The blast was reportedly so loud that it was heard nearly 5km (3 miles) away. |
Mr Sterkel has apologised after causing a police alert. He said that he was not aware his actions were illegal. | Mr Sterkel has apologised after causing a police alert. He said that he was not aware his actions were illegal. |
"The explosives I bought are readily available in most department stores, and even most law enforcers I have spoken to are not aware that they are illegal," he told the BBC. | "The explosives I bought are readily available in most department stores, and even most law enforcers I have spoken to are not aware that they are illegal," he told the BBC. |
He said that he had detonated exploding targets before on his remote farmland west of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, without upsetting anyone. | He said that he had detonated exploding targets before on his remote farmland west of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, without upsetting anyone. |
How are new babies celebrated around the world? | How are new babies celebrated around the world? |
He said that Saturday's explosion contained blue smoke - caused by chalk powder - to tell the outside world that his wife Ashley is expecting a baby boy. | He said that Saturday's explosion contained blue smoke - caused by chalk powder - to tell the outside world that his wife Ashley is expecting a baby boy. |
Mr Sterkel, 26, can be heard proclaiming "it's a boy!" on the video of the explosion which has been widely featured on numerous US websites. | Mr Sterkel, 26, can be heard proclaiming "it's a boy!" on the video of the explosion which has been widely featured on numerous US websites. |
But the blast was so loud that police in nearby Scottsbluff were alerted, with some residents concerned that a major disaster had taken place. | But the blast was so loud that police in nearby Scottsbluff were alerted, with some residents concerned that a major disaster had taken place. |
Mr Sterkel said that he immediately called the local sheriff to explain what had happened in addition to apologising for his actions. | Mr Sterkel said that he immediately called the local sheriff to explain what had happened in addition to apologising for his actions. |
"I would like to say sorry for all of the confusion," he said. "I am a man of character and will willingly go to court if the district attorney chooses to prosecute me. | "I would like to say sorry for all of the confusion," he said. "I am a man of character and will willingly go to court if the district attorney chooses to prosecute me. |
"This was just our way of announcing what gender our baby was." | "This was just our way of announcing what gender our baby was." |
Mr Sterkel faces charges for detonating the explosive without a valid permit. There was no damage or injury but he could be punished with a prison sentence and a fine of $1,000 (£800). | |
Police told the Omaha World Herald that although exploding targets, which are detonated when shot with a high powered rifle, have recently become popular, people who use them need to follow the correct procedures. | Police told the Omaha World Herald that although exploding targets, which are detonated when shot with a high powered rifle, have recently become popular, people who use them need to follow the correct procedures. |
Mr Sterkel told the BBC that he does not plan any more spectacular blasts once the baby, his first child, is born around 16 June. | Mr Sterkel told the BBC that he does not plan any more spectacular blasts once the baby, his first child, is born around 16 June. |
And the baby's name? "Possibly Wesson, in honour of the rifle maker Smith and Wesson," he said. | And the baby's name? "Possibly Wesson, in honour of the rifle maker Smith and Wesson," he said. |
Previous version
1
Next version