Everyone loves popcorn, right? I usually get mine ready-popped in a bag or, if I’m feeling particularly adventurous, from one of those microwaveable bags that are apparently full of carcinogens. I’ve never had popcorn from a popcorn machine that looks like a jet engine, though. And after seeing this video that’s going viral on Reddit, I’m not keen on giving it a go.
Although unconfirmed, it looks like the incident occurred in China. The clip begins with families gathered around a man seated at a large, industrial-looking popcorn machine. The slightly scary-looking apparatus looks more suited to providing jet propulsion. As one Redditor put it, the “man used a jet engine.” The gas cannisters attached to the device do little to reassure that it’s a safe piece of equipment.
And, as it turns out, it isn’t. Things start to go wrong when the machine suddenly starts to spew steam and lets out a high-pitched whine. Sensibly, many of the onlookers take a step back, but I think I’d have run out of the building.
The guy in charge is clearly concerned as he hurriedly tries to use a crowbar-like tool to separate the popcorn machine as the pressure builds. But he’s not quick enough. Appropriately enough, the device goes “pop”! Well, to be more accurate, it explodes with an impressive bang and a load of smoke.
Somehow, the onlookers don’t seem particularly perturbed. Perhaps they’ve experienced similar incidents before, or they seek out these popcorn-makers hoping for a free firework display. The guy working the machine, however, isn’t quite so lucky, as he’s blasted back out of frame. We can only hope he’s OK!
Naturally, Reddit was quick to see the funny side, and popped off with a load of corn-y jokes. “One [sic] you pop, you can’t stop,” one commenter joked. Another quipped that we may have witnessed the birth of “A new popcorn-based marvel character.” The pun game was strong, too. One Redditor worried about the popcorn maker’s fate, lamenting that, “I’m sure he was corn to pieces.”
The clip is a timely reminder to be wary of popcorn machines that look like they belong on an airplane. And, if they start making a load of whining noises and the guy operating looks concerned, take cover. There’s a kernel of truth in the old adage that we all fear what we don’t understand.
