A 28-year-old male is brought to the hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound to the abdomen. On examination, there is a single entry wound in the epigastric region with an abrasion collar and soot deposition around the margins. The wound is 8 mm in diameter. No exit wound is found despite thorough examination. Abdominal imaging reveals multiple organ injuries with significant intra-abdominal bleeding. Which of the following best explains the absence of an exit wound in this case?