TikTok Microwave Challenge Leaves 9-Year-Old Boy with Severe Facial Burns
A nine-year-old boy in Illinois has endured a painful ordeal after participating in a hazardous TikTok trend that involved using a microwave in a dangerous manner. The incident, which occurred in Plainfield, resulted in the child sustaining significant burns to his face and hands, highlighting the potential risks associated with viral online challenges.
A Morning Routine Turns Tragic
On the morning of January 20, Caleb was preparing for school at his family home while his mother, Whitney Grubb, assisted his sibling. Believing her son was simply heating up his breakfast, Whitney was horrified when she heard a blood-curdling scream emanating from the kitchen. Caleb had not been warming food; instead, he was microwaving a Needoh cube, a popular sensory toy filled with a thick gel substance, as part of a TikTok challenge.
The online trend encourages individuals to place these toys in microwaves to soften them, as they can harden over time. However, when Caleb opened the microwave door, the toy exploded violently, covering his face and hands with scalding hot gel. "When I asked what happened, he told me that a friend at school told him about putting it in the microwave," Grubb explained to the Chicago Sun Times. "It wasn’t anything malicious, it was just kids sharing stories, and unfortunately, he decided to try it."
Immediate Medical Response and Hospitalization
In a frantic attempt to alleviate the pain, Whitney rushed Caleb to the shower to wipe off the burning gel, but its thickness made removal difficult and agonizing. She quickly transported him to the hospital, where he was initially treated in the emergency room before being transferred to the Loyola Burn Center in Maywood for specialized care.
Medical examinations revealed that Caleb suffered second-degree burns to his face, hands, and behind one ear. His eye was completely swollen shut following the explosion, as reported by CBS News. Kelly McElligott, a burn outreach coordinator at Loyola, noted that the gelatinous material caused severe pain due to its viscous nature. "Because it's so viscous, it sticks, and it stays hot longer, it's going to cause a more significant burn," McElligott stated.
Recovery Process and Potential Long-Term Effects
Caleb underwent a thorough medical procedure that included washing his burns, removing dead skin, and applying ointment to his injuries. Fortunately, an ophthalmologist confirmed that his eye was not damaged in the incident. The young boy spent two days in the hospital and did not require skin grafts, but there is a possibility that he may develop scars from the burns as he heals.
This distressing event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by viral social media challenges, especially when they involve household appliances like microwaves. Parents and guardians are urged to educate children about online safety and the potential consequences of imitating risky trends found on platforms such as TikTok.
