Christmas Lights Mishap

I have this lovely little centerpiece decoration on my coffee table. This centerpiece contains some battery operated lights. I tried to turn the lights on this evening and they wouldn't come on. Nick investigated, thought something was wrong with the switch. Luckily, I had a backup. I told him not to worry about it, I would just put a new strand in. This is what I discovered when I pulled the lights off the garland.

The Culprit

Poor Christmas Lights. I hope the backups do not experience the same fate.