Wondering if champagne corks actually killed people and how many deaths are caused due to that? This one is for you, so as to stay safe while having fun.
It’s a fact that people are killed by champagne corks every year…
Pop! The sound of a champagne cork flying through the air is something most of us associate with celebration and fun. But believe it or not, that little cork can be more dangerous than it seems. You wouldn’t think that something as small and innocent-looking as a champagne cork could cause any real harm. But, surprisingly, it can.
So, let’s talk about the question that pops up (pun intended): How many people are actually killed by champagne corks every year? And, more importantly, how does it happen?
The Power of the Cork
When you pop open a bottle of champagne, that cork doesn’t just float gently away. It shoots out with force. Champagne bottles are under a lot of pressure—about three times more than what’s inside a car tire. The pressure inside the bottle can reach up to 90 psi (pounds per square inch). That’s strong enough to send a cork flying at speeds up to 50 miles per hour. Imagine something flying at you that fast—it’s no wonder it can hurt people!
It’s easy to laugh off the idea of a champagne cork being dangerous, but think about the force. If a cork hits someone in the face, especially the eyes, it can cause serious damage. Now, while deaths caused by champagne corks are incredibly rare, injuries are much more common.
How many people are killed by champagne corks?
It might seem like one of those strange things you hear about but never quite believe. You may think, “Does anyone really die from this?” Yes, although the numbers are incredibly small, it can happen. The risk comes from the speed and pressure at which the cork is released. When people aren’t careful—pointing the bottle toward someone, for example—accidents occur.
There are around 24 deaths reported each year worldwide related to champagne corks. That number might sound small, but it’s still surprising considering we’re talking about an everyday party drink. Most of these accidents happen when people mishandle the bottle, not paying attention to where they aim the cork.
Eye Injuries: The Most Common Risk
While fatalities are very rare, eye injuries are the biggest issue caused by champagne corks. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has issued warnings about the risks of champagne bottles and how quickly accidents can turn serious. When a cork hits someone’s eye, it can cause:
- Detached retinas
- Internal bleeding in the eye
- Fractures around the eye socket
- Blindness
Even just the thought of getting hit in the eye by a fast-flying cork is enough to make anyone wince. And in most cases, people don’t even expect it. Maybe you’re celebrating, not paying attention, and suddenly a cork shoots out. These injuries are often unexpected but can have long-lasting consequences.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
One of the main reasons people get hurt by champagne corks is because they’re not opening the bottle properly. We’ve all seen those dramatic moments in movies or at parties where someone pops the cork with a loud bang and laughter fills the room. But what they’re doing is actually pretty risky.
People get into trouble when:
- They point the bottle at someone instead of up in the air or away from the crowd.
- They shake the bottle to make the cork fly out faster. This increases the pressure and sends the cork out even quicker.
- They forget to hold the cork down while removing the wire cage. Once that wire is off, the cork can shoot out anytime if you’re not holding it firmly.
- They underestimate the power behind the cork and don’t realize how fast it can fly out.
These simple mistakes can lead to serious accidents in seconds. The excitement of the celebration can sometimes make people careless, and that’s when things go wrong.
Read more: Is champagne girly?
How to Stay Safe While Popping Champagne
Opening a champagne bottle doesn’t have to be dangerous, but it helps to know how to do it the right way. Here are a few tips that can keep you and your party guests safe while still having fun:
- Keep the bottle at a 45-degree angle and point it away from people, especially their faces.
- Hold the cork down with one hand while twisting the bottle with the other hand to ease the cork out slowly.
- Cover the cork with a towel if you’re worried about the cork flying out uncontrollably. The towel can help catch it.
- Chill the bottle before opening because a warm bottle increases pressure and makes the cork more likely to pop out suddenly.
These small precautions make a huge difference and can save you from a potentially painful (or worse) experience. After all, you want to enjoy the celebration, not end up at the doctor’s office.
In Conclusion
It’s kind of funny to think that champagne, the ultimate party drink, can cause serious injuries—or even death. But as we’ve seen, the power behind that cork is no joke. With a few simple precautions, you can make sure your celebration is fun and safe, without any unfortunate accidents.
So, the next time you pop open a bottle of bubbly, remember to be mindful. Keep the cork pointed away, and you can enjoy your glass of champagne without any worries!