'It Was a Joke'... 13-Year-Old Middle School Student Dies of Asphyxiation After Inhaling Helium Gas

There Have Been Cases Abroad Where Teenagers Died After Inhaling Helium Gas

A 13-year-old middle school student suffocated and died after inhaling helium gas ordered online.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Woo-seok] A 13-year-old middle school student suffocated and died after inhaling helium gas ordered online.

On the 6th, the Incheon Fire Safety Headquarters and Incheon Namdong Police Station announced that around 5 p.m. on the 5th, a middle school student, A (13), lost consciousness and collapsed in an apartment in Namdong-gu, Incheon.

A's parents found him and reported to 119 that "our son was collapsed with a plastic bag over his face."

A was given emergency treatment by the 119 paramedics who responded to the call and was transported to a nearby hospital but passed away.

Helium gas has a lower density than air, so when inhaled, the vibration frequency of the voice increases, changing the voice. Because of this, it is often used as a prank or comedy material. However, inhaling a large amount of helium gas at once can cause blood flow disorders or block oxygen supply to the brain, leading to death.

There have been cases overseas where teenagers died after inhaling helium gas. In 2012, a 14-year-old girl in the United States died from blood flow disorders after inhaling helium gas during an all-night party with friends.

Meanwhile, the police plan to investigate the exact circumstances of the accident with A's parents and the helium gas sales company.