I might have died!!

Last night, while plugging in the electric frypan for dinner, a big ball of light, a huge bang and a heap of smoke came out the plug I was holding. I screamed, the lights dimmed and then came on. My hand was black as (it is still stained after washing them at least 50 times - no exaggeration). I was thankful that I hold the plugs in the right place and that the rubber wasn't frayed - I will learn to turn off the power at the plug before plugging things in though!!