After Applying Hand Sanitizer, Lighting a Candle... Full-Body Burns in 5 Seconds

Photo by GoFundMe screen capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgi Kim] In Texas, USA, a woman suffered full-body burns, including her face, after an explosion occurred when she lit a candle after applying hand sanitizer.

According to the US media CBS on the 4th (local time), Kate Wise, who lives in Round Rock, Texas, suffered third-degree burns all over her body on the 30th of last month after lighting a candle with her hand after applying hand sanitizer.

At the time, Wise had put her three daughters to bed, sprayed hand sanitizer on her hands, and lit a candle. She said that a small flame touched the sanitizer container, causing an explosion.

In an interview with the media, Wise said, "Within 5 seconds of the hand sanitizer container exploding, not only the hand holding the sanitizer but also my body and entire face caught fire."

A Round Rock Fire Department official said they are investigating the exact cause of the fire but added, "Hand sanitizer is basically a flammable substance. Since it contains alcohol, hand sanitizer must be handled carefully."

Meanwhile, following the news, a fundraising campaign for Wise was started on a US crowdfunding site. One participant sent a message of support to Wise, saying, "I don't know you, but I am sending you prayers and strength to heal."