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Ukrainian Student's Fatal Gum Mishap Sparks Safety Concerns

2/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In 2009, Ukrainian student Vladimir Likhonos, 25, died after a gum exploded in his mouth when he used an explosive chemical powder instead of citric acid.
The incident gained notoriety and was featured on Spike TV’s 1000 Ways to Die, albeit with fictionalized details that portrayed Likhonos as a meth addict.
The real story remains more bizarre than the dramatization and underscores the dangers of chemical mishaps.

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Story summary

In 2009, Ukrainian student Vladimir Likhonos, 25, died after a gum exploded in his mouth when he used an explosive chemical powder instead of citric acid.
The incident gained notoriety and was featured on Spike TV’s 1000 Ways to Die, albeit with fictionalized details that portrayed Likhonos as a meth addict.
The real story remains more bizarre than the dramatization and underscores the dangers of chemical mishaps.