People often say that it’s impossible to completely eliminate danger, and potential risks surround us in everyday life. That’s why staying alert and paying close attention to details is crucial for protecting ourselves and our children. A moment of carelessness can lead to irreversible consequences.
A Refrigerator Mishap Led to a Sudden Explosion, Causing Severe Injuries
A tragic accident took place in an apartment in Shanghai, China, leaving a 5-year-old boy with 38 stitches on his face.
Due to the intense summer heat and his love for carbonated drinks, the boy placed a can of soda in the freezer, hoping to cool it down quickly. Unfortunately, when he eagerly grabbed the can and opened the lid, an unexpected explosion occurred. A loud bang was heard, soda sprayed everywhere, and the can burst apart—resulting in a terrible injury.
Doctors have reported a rise in similar incidents, with many people being hospitalized due to the improper storage of canned beverages—especially placing them in the freezer, leading to unfortunate accidents.
Three Things You Should NEVER Put in the Freezer to Prevent Explosions
Many people have the habit of putting all kinds of food and drinks in the freezer to chill them quickly. However, this practice can be extremely dangerous, not only shortening the lifespan of the refrigerator but also posing serious risks to users.
1. Carbonated Drinks
At the top of the list are carbonated beverages. If you want your fridge to last longer, never place soda cans in the freezer.
When a carbonated drink is frozen, the temperature drops rapidly while the liquid expands. Once the volume of liquid exceeds the can’s capacity, the pressure inside rises dramatically due to the release of CO2 gas. This can cause the can to deform and eventually explode without warning.
If you want to chill a soda quickly, leave it in the freezer for no more than 5 minutes. Alternatively, store it in the refrigerator’s regular compartment rather than the freezer.
2. Alcoholic Beverages
Sealing alcoholic drinks in the freezer creates high internal pressure, increasing the risk of an explosion. Moreover, alcohol is flammable, and if the refrigerator malfunctions or sparks occur inside, it can ignite instantly—leading to a dangerous explosion.
For safety, avoid storing alcoholic beverages or other flammable liquids (such as gasoline or oil) in the freezer. Instead, keep them at room temperature in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space.
If you prefer chilled wine, serve it with ice cubes. For beer, use an ice bucket or ice-filled cooler rather than freezing the bottles.
3. Dry Ice
Dry ice should never be placed in the freezer. Like carbonated drinks, dry ice is solid CO2, and at temperatures below -18°C, it expands significantly—by approximately 600 to 800 times its original volume.
If stored in an airtight environment like a freezer, the pressure build-up can lead to a sudden explosion, potentially damaging the refrigerator and nearby objects while endangering everyone in the household.
For proper storage, dry ice should be kept in insulated containers rather than in the freezer. Also, never touch dry ice with bare hands, as it can cause burns—always use tongs or rubber gloves when handling it.
By avoiding these three items in the freezer, you can prevent dangerous accidents and ensure the safety of your home.
