Exploding paperweight severs teacher’s hand 40 mm round of ammunition goes off when instructor strikes it in class

Updated: 5:53 p.m. ET April 4, 2006 VENTURA, Calif. - Part of a teacher's hand was blown off when a 40 mm round of ammunition the instructor used as a paperweight on his desk exploded in his classroom.

Robert Colla struck the round with an object Monday afternoon while teaching 20 to 25 students at the Ventura Adult Education Center.

Part of Colla's right hand was severed and he suffered severe burns and minor shrapnel wounds to his forearms and torso, fire Capt. Tom Weinell said. No one else was injured.

Colla was taken to a hospital, where he was in stable condition.

"It was just a horrible accident," said Dennis Huston, who teaches computer design alongside Colla. Huston said he had his back turned to Colla and was only about three feet away when he heard a loud bang.

Colla found the 40 mm round while hunting years ago, Huston said. He used it as a paperweight and "obviously he didn't think the round was live," Huston said.

He's a teacher. Some people should know better.

Submitted on 04/04/2006

Submitted by: m murphy
Reference:

Copyright © 2006 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Neutral: Honorable Mention
I'm neutral on this one only because others could have gotten hurt, or worse. Nevertheless, I am acknowledging exceptional stupidity here. A teacher using a LIVE round as a paperweight? I'm still in shock. I guess he got his comeuppance alright, and my vote to keep this.

Sheryl said:
Maybe Toss: Lacks Excellence
Thanks for taking the time to submit the story. My problem with it is: I want more information. I want to know what he struck it with and why.

Jorge said:
Neutral: Honorable Mention

Greg said:
Neutral: Honorable Mention

Jack said:
Neutral: Honorable Mention

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