TikTok Challenge Leaves Teen Severely Burned

A TikTok challenge gone awry resulted in severe disfigurement for a 16-year-old boy from North Carolina. Mason Dark and his friends were attempting to create a makeshift torch using a spray paint can and a lighter, in accordance with a dangerous TikTok challenge involving flammable aerosols that create miniature flamethrowers. Unfortunately, the can exploded and the boys were engulfed in flames.

Mason suffered burns covering 76% of his body and a T-shaped third-degree burn on his back from ripping off his flaming shirt. In an attempt to soothe the burns, he jumped into a nearby river, which increased the risk of infection. He was rushed to the UNC Burn Center, where he has undergone several surgeries to receive skin grafts.

Mason's mother, Holli Dark, described her son as unrecognizable and stated that he looked 100 times different from when he first arrived at the burn center. Mason, who is an active football player and track runner, is expected to spend the next six months at the burn center while his skin slowly heals. 

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of social media challenges and the importance of exercising caution and responsibility when attempting them. The risks involved can have life-changing consequences, and it is essential to prioritize safety above all else.