Seabrook woman sues after candle ‘exploded’
A Seabrook woman says she can no longer do hands-on activities with her 9-year-old daughter or work at her sales job again after a scented candle she’d bought exploded in her hands in November, causing severe burns, mental anguish and posttraumatic stress disorder, according to her federal lawsuit.
RickiLynn Gardner, 45, paid $149.95 for a threewick scented candle from HotelCollection.com, which Aroma360, LLC owns. Within seconds of lighting it on her kitchen countertop, the candle exploded, causing a “blazing inferno,” according to the personal injury suit she filed July 18 in Houston. Video captured by her home security system shows the event in real time.
“The danger of these candles cannot be overstated,” Gardner’s attorney Randy Sorrels said in a news release Monday, adding that the company’s products “can cause fire, explosion and injury.”
The candle was delivered to her doorstep in a cardboard box on Nov. 22, 2022. She lit it on Nov. 25, 2022.
The packaging did not include instructions or warnings, apart from a “very inconspicuous” warning printed on a small label at the bottom of the candle in tiny print, according to the suit. The suit doesn’t specify what the label underneath the candle says.
When the candle began to emit “a large (and) terrifying flame,” Gardner tried to extinguish it with water. A chemical in the candle wax reacted to the water, causing the flame to flare up in an explosion, the lawsuit alleges.
Gardner then picked up the candle to put it in the metal sink directly behind her so the fire wouldn’t spread. As she held the candle, the glass cracked and hot melted wax began spilling out. At this point, her hands were on fire and coated in flaming wax.
“Nowhere on the candle’s label does it state not to pick up the candle or not to attempt to extinguish the candle flame with water,” the lawsuit explains.
Gardner and her attorneys are suing Aroma360, LLC for more than $1 million for defective design, manufacturing and marketing of the exploding candle. They want the company to pay for all medical expenses — including multiple surgeries — and injury damages caused by the explosion.
Negative reviews
Since Gardner can’t tolerate too much sun exposure on her hands, she can’t go swimming, boating or kayaking with her daughter. She can no longer participate in cheer spotting and training or get mani-pedis with her daughter, Gardner’s attorney, Turner Johnston, said in an email Tuesday.
“Shame since she’s a single mom with a 9-yearold,” he said. “That’s all not to mention the limitations on housework, cooking, etc.”
Aroma360’s defense attorney and spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment on Tuesday. The company has until Aug. 18 to respond to the complaint, according to court records. Gardner’s attorneys said that consumer research revealed reports of similar incidents with Hotel Collection and Aroma360 brand candles. Customer reviews of the candles are included in the lawsuit.
“My candle shattered while burning and they said too bad since it’s beyond the return date policy,” a customer said. “Terrible company and total joke.”
“My candle almost set my house on fire!” another customer said. “It smells great, however, this tiny candle put up a massive flame. When I tried to blow it out, the flame got bigger. When I pulled it closer to me, the candle cracked in half. I ended up having to smother it with a tumbler to put the candle out. Really bummed because they smell so good.”
“It is clear that this product is unreasonably dangerous to the public,” Johnston said in the email.
“No candle should explode the way this candle did. No person should have to go through the incredible trauma Ms. Gardner has gone through,” the lawyer said. “The company knows that this product is dangerous and continues to sell it to this day — a classic example of a company placing profits over people.”