URGENT UPDATE: A 14-year-old boy in St. Petersburg, Florida has suffered serious injuries after attempting a dangerous TikTok experiment known as the “Jam Jar Pulse Jet”. The incident occurred when the boy ignited a flammable mixture, resulting in severe burns to his legs that officials describe as “life-changing.”
Local authorities confirmed the boy’s injuries, emphasizing the critical dangers associated with replicating viral experiments from social media. According to the St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, the experiment involves pouring a small amount of rubbing alcohol into a jam jar with a hole in the lid, which can ignite and create a pulsating flame. However, if not executed correctly, the jar can explode, sending fiery liquid and glass shards flying, leading to catastrophic injuries.
Ian Womack, Division Chief at St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, stressed the real risks associated with such experiments. “We had a young teenage boy set himself on fire trying to do one of these challenges, and he will be faced with life-altering injuries now that he’ll deal with for the rest of his life,” Womack warned. He elaborated on the potential outcomes, stating, “That can cause significant harm, permanently damage your vision, permanently scar you. The fire risk is real.”
Authorities are urging parents to engage in meaningful conversations with their children about the dangers of experimenting with fire and alcohol. Womack advised families to openly discuss the risks, saying, “Just engage with kids and then also find opportunities to highlight the risk… So that they understand there’s real consequences with these things.”
This incident is a stark reminder of previous dangerous TikTok trends that have resulted in harm, including challenges that involve scalding water and concentrated sodas. Such trends have prompted multiple health warnings, underscoring the importance of parental guidance in the age of viral content.
As the investigation continues, officials are urging the public to avoid replicating such experiments. The fire department has made a public plea, highlighting the need for education on fire safety and the risks associated with social media challenges.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story, as more information becomes available regarding the boy’s condition and the response from both St. Petersburg Fire Rescue and TikTok. Parents should take immediate action to discuss these dangers with their children to prevent similar incidents in the future.
