A SCOTS tot has been left shaken up after a glass shower screen exploded into hundreds of pieces just a metre away from where he was sitting.
Bex Carton was toilet training her two-year-old son Caelan at their home in Edinburgh last week when the incident happened.
The 34-year-old civil servant said that the 6ft tall screen completely exploded and sounded “like a bomb had gone off”.
Bex instinctively shielded Caelan by putting her arms around him as glass hurtled around them.
The mother-of-two and the tot both burst into tears from the frightening experience which left their clothes covered in glass.
She contacted Victorian Plumbing to complain about the £170 Nova Wetroom screen which was bought three years ago.
The company responded to Bex saying they have investigated the matter and concluded that it must have been caused by “impact damage”.
Furious Bex has since taken to Facebook yesterday to warn others about the screens and hit out at Victorian Plumbing for their response.
She wrote: “Warning. Do not buy from Victorian Plumbing and be really careful if you own glass screens.
“We had our shower screen from them three years ago with a five year warranty.
“Caelan was sitting on the toilet and I was supervising him nowhere near it when there was this almighty explosion sound and glass flying everywhere.
“I shielded him so we were unhurt but it was so scary. If we’d been in the shower it could have been really serious.
“The shower screen, (which never had a chip or scratch on it and was in perfect condition) literally exploded. I’ve looked online and apparently it can happen if there’s there’s manufacturing micro fault in the glass.
“However, Victorian Plumbing has called me a liar and refused to accept that there was no impact. The insurance won’t cover it as there was no accident.”
Scots social media users were horrified at the incident that could have ended very differently.
Bethany Wilson said: “Eeek! Glad you’re both ok!”
Jennifer Mitchell said: “That’s so scary! I’m glad you are both okay! Horrible company to deal with!
Alison Renard said: “Terrifying! So glad you weren’t hurt.”
While Samantha Jayne added: “Wow. This sounds super scary. I’m glad you’re okay.
“Our plumber looked baffled when I said no to a shower screen and said I wanted a shower curtain rail.
“I was worried about the toddler falling into it. I had no idea this could happen.”
Victorian Plumbing describes the screen as: “Its aluminium frame is finished in sparkling polished chrome, while the glass shower screen is toughened for your safety and peace of mind.”
After complaining about the incident, the bathroom company replied: “Hi Bex, thank you for your patience. I can see that this issue has been looked into with the manufacturer.
“They have finished their investigation and have advised that this must have been due to impact damage as 8mm toughened glass does not shatter without some form of impact.
“I can see that this was received back in 2018 – if this item was faulty it would have shattered within the 1st few weeks.
“Therefore unfortunately, we wouldn’t look to replace or refund this item.
“I do apologise for any inconvenience caused by this and if you do require any further assistance, just let me know and I’ll be happy to help.”
Speaking today Bex said: “Being newly potty trained I was sitting in front of him on the toddler step keeping my eye on him.
“He’d been there four or five minutes as toddlers do, when there was a bang like a bomb had gone off.
“There was glass flying everywhere. Instinctively I put my arms round him to protect him and glass just shower my back.
“I had no idea what had happened but I looked back and the shower screen was in bits. Being safety glass there was glass everywhere. It was exactly like it had exploded.
“Me and my little boy were so shaken we were both crying and I just yelled for my husband who was working in the office upstairs.
“He ran down and couldn’t believe it. I was so relieved that we weren’t hurt, because I had my back to it and my cardi on. My hood and clothes were covered in glass.
“It took ages to clear it all up.”
