A tragic accident recently occurred in Shanghai, China, when a five-year-old boy suffered severe facial injuries after a soda can exploded while being taken out of a refrigerator. The incident serves as a serious warning about common but dangerous habits that many people still have—especially storing inappropriate items in the freezer.

People often believe that dangers in daily life are unavoidable. However, many accidents can be prevented if we pay closer attention to small details in everyday routines. Carelessness, particularly when children are involved, can lead to irreversible consequences.

Sudden Explosion After Opening the Refrigerator

The heartbreaking incident took place in an apartment in Shanghai. The boy, identified as Jiading, was rushed to the hospital and required 38 stitches on his face after metal fragments from a shattered soda can caused deep cuts. According to doctors, he received 31 stitches on his cheek and 7 stitches around his mouth.

Recently, Jiading’s mother, Ms. Lin, had been extremely busy at work and often had to leave her son at home alone. Fortunately, Jiading was considered a smart and independent child who could order food by himself. Sometimes, his mother prepared meals in advance before going to work, which made her feel reassured and less worried about him.

However, while at work one day, Ms. Lin suddenly received a call informing her that her son was being treated in the emergency room. Shocked and terrified, she rushed to the hospital, where doctors explained the cause of the injury.

The Hidden Danger Inside the Refrigerator

The culprit turned out to be the refrigerator itself. During the hot summer in Shanghai, Jiading, who loved carbonated drinks, placed a soda can in the freezer to chill it faster. Unfortunately, when he took the can out and opened it, a loud explosion occurred. The soda sprayed everywhere, and the can burst apart, causing serious facial injuries.

Doctors have warned that this was not an isolated case. In recent years, many patients have been admitted to hospitals for similar reasons—improper use of carbonated beverage cans, especially storing them in the freezer.

Three Items That Should Never Be Stored in the Freezer

Although refrigerator explosions are rare, improper use and careless storage can lead to extremely dangerous situations. Placing unsuitable items in the freezer not only shortens the appliance’s lifespan but also poses a direct threat to user safety.

1. Carbonated Drinks

Carbonated beverages stored in sealed cans should never be placed in the freezer. When frozen, the liquid expands rapidly while carbon dioxide gas builds up pressure inside the can. Once the pressure exceeds the can’s tolerance, it may explode at any moment.

If you want to chill a soda, place it in the freezer for no more than five minutes or store it in the refrigerator’s cooling compartment instead.

2. Alcoholic Beverages

Sealing alcoholic drinks tightly and placing them in the freezer can also create dangerous pressure buildup. Alcohol is highly flammable, and if a refrigerator malfunctions or sparks occur during operation, it can result in a serious fire or explosion.

Alcoholic beverages and other flammable substances such as gasoline or oil should never be stored in the freezer. Instead, they should be kept at room temperature in dry, well-ventilated areas. If you want to enjoy cold alcohol, add ice cubes rather than freezing the bottle. Beer should be chilled in ice buckets, not in the freezer.

3. Dry Ice

Dry ice is extremely dangerous when stored in enclosed spaces like a freezer. It is solid carbon dioxide, and at temperatures below –18°C, it rapidly expands—up to 600–800 times its original volume. This expansion can cause an explosion strong enough to damage the refrigerator and surrounding household items, putting lives at risk.

Dry ice should only be stored in insulated cooling containers designed for it. Never touch dry ice with bare hands, as it can cause severe burns. Always use gloves or tongs when handling it.

Final Warning

This incident is a painful reminder that everyday appliances can become deadly if used incorrectly. Parents and caregivers should be especially cautious and educate children about household safety to prevent similar tragedies from happening again.