Investigation launched in France after 'squishy' explosion injures child

In France, an investigation has been initiated following an incident in which an eight-year-old boy sustained second-degree burns. This occurred due to the explosion of a popular stress-relief toy, known as a 'squishy,' in the child's face.

The public prosecutor's office in Saint-Omer (Pas-de-Calais) has confirmed that the injuries were caused by the toy, which exploded while the boy was playing with it in July. Details about the incident have been disclosed since the start of the investigation, with particular attention focused on the safety of such products.

The Public Prosecutor's office reports that the child's injuries were documented on July 24, 2026. He suffered not only burns on his face but also on his chest, underscoring the seriousness of the incident.

The popular 'squishy' is designed as a stress ball that is soft to squeeze. However, no further details have been released regarding the specific factors that contributed to this explosion.

During the investigation, the potential responsibilities of the manufacturer and the safety standards applicable to such toy products will be examined. This could potentially lead to broader implications for the industry.

The boy's mother reportedly purchased the toy, but further information regarding the circumstances surrounding the purchase or use of the 'squishy' is currently unavailable.