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Two People Injured At Punkin' Chunkin' Event In Delaware

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Delaware State Police are investigating after two people were injured when an air cannon exploded at a Punkin Chunkin pumpkin launch event in Bridgeville.

A woman was critically injured and a man sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Both were taken to the hospital.

Delaware State Police say their preliminary investigation confirms the incident happened around 2:45 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Police say for some undetermined reason the trap door of the "Pumpkin Reaper" cannon separated during the launch of a pumpkin.

The door and other parts were blown away from the cannon and into the air before striking a 39-year old woman in the head and face.

The female victim—whose name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin—was treated immediately on the scene by Sussex County Paramedics and transported to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital.

She remains in critical condition.

A 56-year old man was also injured and transported to Nanticoke for non-life threatening injuries.

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