Microwaved NeeDoh Toy Explodes, Leaving 13-Year-Old With Third-Degree Burns in TikTok Trend
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 13
Microwaved NeeDoh Toy Explodes, Leaving 13-Year-Old With Third-Degree Burns in TikTok Trend
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 13
Summary
Eli Blackmon, now 13, said a microwaved NeeDoh burst after he squeezed it, spraying hot gel onto his neck, chest and hands and causing third-degree burns.
The Alabama boy had copied TikTok videos he saw at age 11 that showed people heating the sensory toy to soften it, believing it was harmless because others appeared unharmed.
Four months of burn-unit care followed, including weekly debridement, painful wound treatment and scar management; he also developed a staph infection, GI problems and missed months of jiu-jitsu training.
Thousands of dollars in medical and wound-care bills piled up as the family began warning other parents and children not to try the trend.
TikTok has said videos promoting dangerous behavior violate its guidelines and are removed when found; Fox News Digital said it sought comment from NeeDoh's manufacturer.