A Connecticut middle school student was hospitalized after allegedly causing a fire as a result of a TikTok trend, and will likely face criminal charges in connection with the incident.
Firefighters were called Thursday morning to the Middle School of Plainville, which was forced to be evacuated after a Chromebook caught fire in a classroom. The crew was able to douse the laptop blaze, but investigators quickly learned it was likely a deliberate act, according to Plainville police.
Authorities believe the fire started as part of a trend of social media videos known as the “Chromebook Challenge,” in which students force metal objects into the USB port, causing the laptop to smoke or catch fire.
“Through an investigation, it was determined that a middle school student intentionally stuck scissors into a laptop,” Plainville police said in a press release. “Although the investigation is ongoing, the student involved will be referred to juvenile court to face criminal charges.”
The unidentified girl who started the fire claimed she suffered from smoke inhalation and was hospitalized as a result. No other injuries were reported, and classes resumed after roughly an hour.
In response to an increase in similar incidents, TikTok has blocked the term “Chromebook Challenge” from the app.