Gender reveal parties, where expectant parents announce the gender of their upcoming child, have grown in popularity over the years. These celebrations are meant to be joyous occasions, but sometimes, they lead to unintended and sometimes disastrous consequences. Here are several factual instances where gender reveals went drastically wrong, highlighting the need for safety and moderation in planning these events.
7 Gender Reveals Gone Wrong
1. The 2020 El Dorado Fire
One of the most catastrophic gender reveal incidents occurred in September 2020 in Southern California. A couple used a “smoke-generating pyrotechnic device” to reveal their baby’s gender. Unfortunately, the device ignited the dry grass at El Dorado Ranch Park in Yucaipa, sparking a massive wildfire. The El Dorado Fire consumed over 22,000 acres, led to the evacuation of hundreds of residents, and resulted in the death of a firefighter. The couple involved faced charges of involuntary manslaughter, underscoring the severe consequences of using pyrotechnics in dry conditions.
2. The 2017 Arizona Sawmill Fire
In April 2017, a border patrol agent in Arizona decided to use an explosive substance called Tannerite for his baby’s gender reveal. He shot at a target that would explode in either blue or pink powder. Instead, it sparked a fire that burned nearly 47,000 acres of state land. The event became known as the Sawmill Fire and caused more than $8 million in damages. The individual responsible pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor violation of U.S. Forest Service regulations and was sentenced to pay restitution totaling over $220,000.
3. The Iowa Explosion
In 2019, a family in Knoxville, Iowa, built a homemade device to reveal their baby’s gender. They intended to create a loud explosion with a colorful burst but inadvertently constructed a pipe bomb. When the device was detonated, it exploded with such force that it sent metal shrapnel flying, striking and instantly killing a family member who was standing nearby. This tragic incident highlighted the dangers of using explosive materials without proper handling and safety measures.
4. The Texas Plane Crash
A 2019 gender reveal in Texas took a dramatic turn when a plane was used to drop 350 gallons of pink water as part of the celebration. Unfortunately, the plane stalled and crashed during the stunt. Although the pilot survived, the plane was substantially damaged. This event brought to light the risks of incorporating aircraft into gender reveal parties, an extreme method that poses significant safety risks.
5. The Michigan Pipe Bomb
In February 2021, a man in Michigan was killed by a cannon-type device used during a baby shower. The cannon was meant to produce a big flash, a loud noise, and create smoke, not explode. However, the gunpowder loaded into the cannon caused the device to blow up, sending shrapnel flying, which fatally struck a guest standing nearby. This incident is another stark reminder of the dangers posed by explosive devices at gender reveal events.
6. The Florida Alligator Stunt
While not disastrous in terms of physical injuries or environmental damage, a 2018 gender reveal in Florida raised eyebrows and concerns about wildlife involvement. A couple decided to use an alligator, a wild and unpredictable animal, in their gender reveal, having it pop a balloon in its mouth to release blue powder. The stunt was criticized for its potential danger and ethical concerns regarding the use of wildlife for entertainment.
7. The Australian Car Fire
In Australia, a car emitting blue smoke to announce a baby boy suddenly caught fire during a gender reveal burnout in 2018. The driver had to quickly escape from the vehicle as it became engulfed in flames. The incident was caught on video and widely shared, serving as a cautionary tale against using vehicles for burnouts, which can lead to dangerous outcomes, including vehicle loss and environmental damage.
