A disturbing social media stunt has landed a 12-year-old Pennsylvania boy in serious legal trouble after he poured boiling water on his sleeping 9-year-old brother during what police say was the “Hot Water Challenge.” The incident happened July 29 in Lancaster Township when the older brother reportedly heated water in a microwave and dumped it on the victim as he slept. The scalding water caused severe burns to the younger boy’s neck and chest, according to The New York Post.
The child was rushed to Lehigh Burn Center in Allentown for emergency treatment. Police say the boy now faces aggravated assault and reckless endangerment charges.
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Police Warn Parents About Viral “Hot Water Challenge”
Authorities are urging parents to closely monitor their children’s social media activity, warning that this isn’t the first time the dangerous trend has caused serious injuries — and in some cases, death.
The Lancaster Township Police Department said the act wasn’t accidental and that the child participated in the stunt as part of the online “challenge” that’s been circulating for years.
In a chillingly similar case, an 8-year-old Florida girl died after being dared by her cousin to drink boiling water through a straw in 2017.
Ongoing Investigation
Police say their investigation is ongoing, but the case is already a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of viral stunts that target children.