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9-Year-Old Burned by Exploding Toy in TikTok Trend

2/5/2026

33 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Caleb Chabolla, a 9-year-old from Chicago, suffered second-degree burns after microwaving his NeeDoh toy, which exploded in his face.
The injury occurred during a TikTok trend, and he received care at Loyola University Medical Center.
Caleb's mother, Whitney Grubb, said he screamed in pain and was transferred to the burn center.
Doctors said he is the fourth child treated for similar injuries linked to the viral trend.

History

Historical Context

In 2021, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported over 200,000 annual toy-related injuries, highlighting ongoing safety concerns. The NeeDoh toy, popularized on social media, contributed to multiple incidents, including severe burns to Caleb Chabolla, marking him as the fourth child treated for similar injuries. This trend may lead to stricter regulations on toy safety and social media practices to protect children.

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Story summary

Caleb Chabolla, a 9-year-old from Chicago, suffered second-degree burns after microwaving his NeeDoh toy, which exploded in his face.
The injury occurred during a TikTok trend, and he received care at Loyola University Medical Center.
Caleb's mother, Whitney Grubb, said he screamed in pain and was transferred to the burn center.
Doctors said he is the fourth child treated for similar injuries linked to the viral trend.

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