A routine summer afternoon turned tragic when a young boy’s attempt to cool his soda ended in a trip to the emergency room. The 5-year-old from Shanghai had placed his fizzy drink in the freezer, unaware of the danger. Moments later, the can exploded, leaving him with deep cuts requiring 38 stitches.
Doctors say such injuries are becoming more common as people underestimate the risks of freezing pressurized containers. Carbonated drinks, beer, and even dry ice can become hazardous when stored at ultra-low temperatures. The pressure buildup can cause violent ruptures, turning a harmless beverage into a projectile of sharp metal and ice.
The boy’s parents now share their story as a cautionary tale. “We never thought something so simple could hurt our child,” his mother said. Their warning is clear: never freeze carbonated cans, always supervise kids around appliances, and remember—some chilling shortcuts aren’t worth the risk.
