A routine act of cooling a drink turned into a nightmare for one family when their five-year-old son needed emergency surgery after a soda can exploded in his face. The shocking incident has prompted safety experts to warn households about the deadly risks of improper freezer use.
The tragedy occurred in Shanghai when the boy placed his carbonated beverage in the freezer for faster chilling. Within minutes, the pressure from the expanding liquid caused the can to detonate as he opened it, sending shrapnel-like metal fragments into his skin. Surgeons worked meticulously to close his wounds with 38 stitches.
Medical professionals report seeing increasing numbers of similar injuries, particularly during summer when people freeze drinks for quick cooling. Beyond soda cans, two other common items pose serious explosion threats in freezers:
Alcoholic beverages like beer and champagne bottles can shatter from pressure buildup, while dry ice—often used for cooling—releases dangerous carbon dioxide gas when confined.
The family hopes their story will prevent future accidents. Their advice? Never freeze carbonated containers, always supervise children around chilled drinks, and opt for refrigerator cooling instead of the freezer for beverages. A few extra minutes of patience could spare a lifetime of regret.
