That’s what happened to a 10-year-old kid in São Paulo, Brazil. She grabbed a stool, put it next to a top-loading washing machine, looked inside and fell in. Her father – a humble waiter who was sleeping on the living room – found her inside, only her legs sticking out. Sadly, she was dead. They weren’t able to take her out, so firemen had to break it open.
I thought that washing machines stopped automatically whenever they are open as a safety measure. In fact, I thought washing machines never opened if they were full of water and running. Maybe that’s not the case in Brazil. Or maybe it’s just the case for more expensive models. Or perhaps the safety mechanism was broken. Whatever it was, it’s sad just the same. [El Mundo]
Yagan Kiely
Thursday, November 25, 2010 at 6:02 AMHappened here in Fremantle (Western Australia, Perth) a month back.
Peter Simpson
Thursday, November 25, 2010 at 10:23 AMThat was a front loader though, wasn’t it? My front loader won’t open with water in it, and that’s probably why they thought foul play.
Rob H
Thursday, November 25, 2010 at 8:31 AMThe machines stop when the lid is open, but it doesn’t empty the water…
Usually the only time the lid locks is during spin, presumably so you don’t loose your arm trying to remove a sock.
Arthur
Thursday, November 25, 2010 at 8:37 AMyes, when it’s filled with water and a child falls head down, the child may drown, like this case. so, if the machine stopped or not, wouldn’t have mattered. of course, if the machine were to be moving, it’ll be more devastating.
Rob H
Thursday, November 25, 2010 at 9:39 AMMythbusters tested that actually, as there was a rumour someone fell in and got smacked around. Turns out the motor is purposely so weak it stops straight away, you can try it!
huu
Thursday, November 25, 2010 at 10:11 AMgot a top loader at home. it stop when open in spin cycle but still happily washing away full of soapy water when in washing cycle. I am pretty sure I would die if I fall head first in it if there is water in it even if the thing is off. because if you fall head first in the size of it is perfect to just wedge you arm by your side with no grip to pull or push yourself out
Edward Luck
Thursday, November 25, 2010 at 12:02 PMUgh, I just got a mental image of that! Being somewhat claustrophobic, it wasn’t nice.
James
Friday, November 26, 2010 at 1:30 AMhaha same… but im more freaked out from reading some of the comments where you cant get yourself back out if u fall in :S