A 16-year-old promising footballer from North Carolina has been left disfigured and unrecognizable after participating in a dangerous TikTok challenge that involved using a lighter and a spray can to create a makeshift blowtorch. Mason Dark, a football star, and his friends decided to try out this trend, but it quickly turned into a life-threatening situation when the spray can he was holding exploded with a deafening bang.
Mason's family was at home when they heard a loud boom on Sunday 30th of April, followed by the sight of their son running outside and hastily removing his shirt. "He's unrecognizable. Unrecognizable," expressed his mother, Holli Dark, in an interview with WRAL. Concerned about his condition, Mason jumped into a nearby lake in an attempt to alleviate the burns, but unfortunately, his efforts only worsened his situation. When he emerged from the water, his skin was charred. Furthermore, tearing off his flaming shirt caused a T-shaped third-degree burn on his back, adding to the severity of his injuries. The river water also posed asignificant risk of infection.
With burns covering 76% of his body, Mason was immediately rushed to the UNC Burn Center, where he is currently receiving treatment. Holli Dark described the drastic change in her son's appearance from the time he arrived at the hospital to the present, saying, "The way he looked when those kids saw him when he first came in, to what he looks like now, it's 100 times different." The teenager, known for his active participation in football and track, is expected to undergo treatment at the burn center for the next six months. This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with viral challenges on social media platforms. TikTok, in particular, has witnessed numerous trends that pose serious risks to participants. The allure of fame and popularity often entices young individuals to attempt these challenges without fully understanding the potential consequences.
It is crucial for parents and social media platforms to work together to raise awareness about the hazards of such challenges and promote responsible online behavior. Parents should engage in open conversations with their children, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and caution when participating in online trends. Furthermore, social media platforms must take proactive measures to identify and remove dangerous content that promotes risky behavior. In the meantime, prayers from his fans hopes he recovers swiftly as the burns are severe.