Punkin Chunkin’s return from a two-year hiatus was marred Sunday by a serious accident.
Delaware State Police report two people were injured when pieces from an air cannon named Pumpkin Reaper came off when it was fired. The pieces, including the trap door where pumpkins are loaded, were blown away from the cannon and into the air before coming down and striking a 39-year-old woman in the head and face.
She was treated at the scene before being taken to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital. She was later flown to Christiana Hospital where she remains in critical condition.
A 56-year-old male was also hurt and is at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
State Police initially said one person was killed in the accident, but quickly corrected that report. They continue to investigate the incident with help from Delaware's Department of Natural Resources (DNREC).