A 12-year-old boy from Texas, Caden Ballard, was left with severe burns after attempting to recreate an experiment he saw on TikTok. The incident occurred on August 16 in Coleman, Texas, when Caden and his older brother tried to replicate a social media experiment involving lighting a bottle filled with rubbing alcohol on fire. Initially, the boys thought the experiment was going well, but it quickly turned dangerous as the isopropyl alcohol’s flame was almost invisible once ignited.
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Caden described how the situation escalated, stating that the fire appeared to have gone out, prompting his brother to hand him the bottle to throw away. Unfortunately, Caden’s shirt caught on fire when he grabbed the bottle, leading to the severe burns across his face, chest, arms, and stomach. Caden’s mother, Christina, was alerted to the incident by her sons’ 911 call and was shocked to find Caden covered in burns when she arrived at the scene.
Christina emphasised the unexpected nature of the incident, noting that her sons usually engage in harmless activities like listening to “story times” on the app. She urged parents to caution their children against copying things they see online, as the consequences can be devastating, potentially leading to hospitalisation or worse. Fortunately, Caden’s older brother reacted quickly by pulling off his burning shirt and instructing him to stop, drop, and roll to extinguish the flames, which minimised the damage to his body.
Following the incident, a fundraiser was set up to assist with Caden’s medical bills, with donations exceeding $1,500 towards the $25,000 goal. After undergoing surgery, Caden was transferred to Shriners Pediatric Burn Hospital in Galveston for further treatment. Although he has been discharged as an outpatient, there is a possibility of lasting scars, and he may require plastic surgery in the future. Christina shared updates on Caden’s progress, expressing gratitude for the support and requesting continued prayers for his recovery.
The community’s response has been heartening, with many rallying behind Caden and his family during this challenging time. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of attempting risky experiments seen on social media platforms without proper knowledge or supervision. Caden’s story highlights the importance of vigilance and education, especially when it comes to online trends that may pose serious risks to individuals, particularly young children.
Awareness and caution are crucial in navigating the digital landscape, ensuring that entertainment and educational content on social media platforms are approached responsibly. The support shown for Caden underscores the power of community solidarity in times of adversity, uniting to help a young boy on his path to recovery. As Caden continues his healing journey, the incident serves as a cautionary tale for both children and parents, emphasising the need for safety and informed decision-making in the online world.