Boiling-Water-to-Ice Stunt Scalds Dozens

Strong winds turn water into pain, not ice
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 8, 2014 12:45 AM CST
Updated Jan 8, 2014 1:33 AM CST

With a huge swath of the US in the deep freeze, plenty of people have been unable to resist the thrill of throwing boiling water into the air in the apparently perilous attempt to watch it freeze—but it hasn't gone so well for everybody. A Los Angeles Times reporter has found at least 50 cases on social media of people injured in their attempts, with some unlucky victims—including at least two children—requiring hospital treatment.

Strong winds spoiled the stunt for some people, as did a few tumbles on the ice. "As I was throwing it, I slipped on the ice and the water went up," a South Dakota woman who required treatment for second- and third-degree burns tells the Argus Leader. "It went all over my neck and down my back." But the success rate was presumably a lot higher: None of the numerous TV anchors who urged people to try the stunt have reported any injuries to themselves or their viewers, though at least one has now advised caution. (More severe weather stories.)

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