New Health Risk for Smokers: 02 FEB 2010

An exploding cigarette raises new fears for smokers in Indonesia after security guard Andi Susanto, 31, lost five teeth when the cigarette he was smoking exploded in his mouth.

Mr Susanto was riding his motorbike at the time of the explosion and described the incident as “unexpected”. There appeared to be no noticeable defects in the cigarette’s appearance, nor an unusual odour or taste.

The cigarette was a Bentoel Clas Mild, marketed as ‘the ultimate experience of satisfaction and smoothness’.

Cigarette manufacturer PT Najorono Tobacco will cover all immediate medical costs and have offered 5m rupiah (£335) in compensation. The company is also expected to fund the construction of a new set of teeth.

Mr Susanto is now recovering with bandaged lips in hospital and has had several stitches and two further tooth extractions in addition to the teeth initially lost in the explosion, as well as a cracked motorcycle helmet.

He has now decided to give up smoking.

This is the first such case to be reported and forensic laboratory tests are now being carried out to determine the cause of the incident. Investigators are also looking for traces of explosives, such as potassium, on Mr Susanto’s clothing. Bekasi Police are waiting for the laboratory report before making further enquiries.

A spokesperson for the cigarette company told the Jakarta Globe:

“We do not put any strange materials in the cigarettes so we think that this is a weird case. This is the first time for us.”