Multiple people found dead or injured over worrying TikTok trend
A couple from Wisconsin USA have been electrocuted after attempting a popular but dangerous wood-burning technique.
The “fractal burning” technique creates lightning-like etchings by using jumper cables and disassembled microwave oven parts to run high-voltage electricity through a piece of wood soaked in a chemical solution.
Some may think this sounds like a lot of effort for a DIY project however, the technique is gaining popularity through viral videos on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, but woodworking experts have warned that it is extremely dangerous and can be deadly.
Tanya Rodriguez, 44, and James Carolfi, 52, were found dead in a house fire on April the 6th. Their bodies were discovered in the garage of their home in Marathon County, Wisconsin.
The couple had died before the fire started, and the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office initially described the cause of their deaths and the fire as “suspicious”.
The mysterious circumstances prompted weeks of arson and homicide investigation and the sheriff’s office, fire marshals and the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory found that Rodriguez and Carolfi died by accidental electrocution when they attempted the dangerous wood-burning technique.
The couple used a disassembled microwave oven for a power supply.
Authorities believe the equipment that caused the electrocutions also caused the fire, which started in the garage before it spread.
Some fractal burning art is crafted by professionals with experience as electricians and access to proper equipment. But many attempting the popular project take apart microwaves or car batteries to use as power sources. Even with professional equipment there is still a risk.
At least 33 people have died from fractal burning attempts since 2016 and while the patterns created by fractal burning are “very pretty, quite frankly, the dangers of the craft cannot be ignored.”
Image: Getty