When a Hand Dryer Turns Into a Finger-Taking Monster
Picture this: a normal Sunday dinner at the Chia household turns into a nightmare after a 5‑year‑old’s tiny finger disappears thanks to an aggressive hand dryer at Ion Orchard. While we’re not supposed to use links, the story’s so juicy it almost demands a pepper‑on‑net click.
The Sequence of Events
- It’s Monday afternoon. Little Zoe has just washed her hands like a pro, ready to embrace the convenience of a hand dryer.
- She lifts the i‑do‑it‑my‑own, blissfully unaware that the machine’s “fan blades” have never met a child’s arthroplasty.
- And poof! One blade finds its mark. The result? A sliver of Zoe’s index finger never rejoins the family unit.
Father Nick Shares the Story
Nick Chia, 35, took to Facebook Friday morning and poured on the details with a style that’s as heartfelt as it is viral. He claims the dryer lacked a vent covering, turning the normally “polite” appliance into a finger‑snatching saboteur.
Community Solidarity
- Within five hours, the post received more than 2,300 shares.
- 700+ comments poured in, with friends, strangers, and the entire internet rallying to the Chia family.
- Feelings ran high—concern, disbelief, a dash of humor, if you can say “hand‑dry” humor.
Takeaway? Always Keep Your Hand Tab Retracted
The incident reminds us: even family-friendly gadgets can have a dark side. So next time you’ll drop your fresh‑washed hand into a dryer, make sure the “blade of doom” is covered. Or better yet, offer your child a hand towel! The Chia drama certainly gave us a lesson in vigilance—and a story that’ll pop up in any conversation about “unexpected cuts.”
When a Shower Turns into a Disaster—A Mother‑Sons Tale
On a typical, sunny morning at Ion Orchard, a 5‑year‑old girl had what she thought was a routine bathroom trip. The twist? A hand dryer that decided to go rogue, delivering a blow that left her little finger almost… ghost‑like.
The Shocking Rip‑Down
- After a single, swift hit, the bones in her finger were broken to dust—tiny white powdery shards visible under the skin.
- Doctors in a hurry told the family that there was almost no chance of keeping the damaged finger intact.
- Two surgeries followed: first to clear the wound and flush out bone fragments, then a second to amputate the mangled digit.
- Result: The child is left with barely less than half her index finger—a severe and devastating incident.
Keeping Spirits High Amid the Pain
Despite the stark reality, the girl reportedly remains in a surprisingly good mood. Yet her dad—who’s watched her blow her cheeks—feels she’s holding back her true emotions.
- He worries that the child isn’t fully aware of what happened because she hasn’t seen the final, amputated stump.
- “The reality hasn’t set in yet,” he explains, reflecting the disbelief that shadows their lives.
The Hilariously Catastrophic Key Issue
In the same Facebook post, the concerned father pointed out the chaos: the mall staff reportedly couldn’t locate the foot‑key that unlocks the hand dryer cabinet. Eventually, they had to resort to a good old-fashioned pry‑jack to open it.
“At least it wasn’t a clean, orderly job. Of course, we’re talking about servers, not an IKEA screw‑driver,” he chuckles, but with no small amount of disappointment.
Ion Orchard’s Response
A representative from Ion Orchard issued an apology and a quick reassurance:
“We sincerely regret the incident, are investigating it thoroughly, and will keep the family in the loop.”
They’ve also confirmed all hand dryers across the mall are regularly checked for safety, replacing any malfunctioning units on the spot—an added layer of caution for shoppers.
Takeaway
Sometimes, the most ordinary setups can spark extraordinary challenges. While this incident is a reminder to cherish safety, it also underscores how families navigate through both absurdity and seriousness amid such events.
