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WALMART was aware of the ‘explosion’ risk of its now recalled water bottles years before pulling them from shelves.

For some, the recall came too late, with two shoppers left permanently blinded and another with severe facial injuries.

Getty

Walmart was aware of the dangers of its water bottles years before pulling them from shelves (stock)[/caption]

cpsc.gov

Walmart recalled the Ozark Trail 64 oz Water Bottles in July due to serious impact and laceration hazards[/caption]

cpsc.gov

The screw top lids can ‘forcefully eject’ from the bottle, causing blindness and other injuries[/caption]

Last month the nation’s largest retailer announced the immediate recall of 850,000 Ozark Trail water bottles that it had been selling since 2017.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said the screw top lid of the stainless steel bottles could “forcefully eject, posing serious impact and laceration hazards” when opened.

This risk was present when the bottles contained “food, carbonated beverages or perishable beverages” over a period of time.

“The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority,” Walmart said in the recall announcement.

But the recall of the $15 bottles on July 10 came years after Walmart was first made aware of the huge health risk posed by its products, the Washington Post has revealed.

Both the retailer and CPSC confirmed to the outlet that the danger was first realized seven years ago in 2018 – but Walmart denies intentionally covering up or delaying the recall.

The post reviewed CPSC documents and lawsuits finding that all three major injuries caused to shoppers by the exploding lids were reported that year within months of each other.

This detail was not mentioned in last month’s recall notice.

The first report was made in March 2018 when a couple from Georgia opened the bottle to share soup that they had stored inside it.

When they were unable to open the bottle, the unnamed man held it still while his partner tried to unscrew the lid.

“It literally exploded. The cap blasted her eyeball,” their attorney Ben Locklar said.

“I had no idea that these things can become like bombs,” he later told The Post.

Four months after that incident, in August 2018, a man in Washington state was left with a “ruptured eyeball”.

The lid “was projected with tremendous force” into his face after he filled it with apple cider and left it for a few days before trying to open it.

Then in October of that year, a woman from Massachusetts suffered “massive damage” to her jaw and face, according to a lawsuit, after she filled it with fruit juice.

All three cases were settled with few details publicly known.

Before issuing major recalls such as this, retailers and the consumer safety regulator will enter discussions about the threat posed and if it is caused by a defect or customer misuse.

Ultimately, the decision to recall usually rests with the retailer or manufacturer unless courts get involved.

After learning of the three injuries, Walmart reported them to the CPSC but no recall was advised, an official from the retailer who was familiar with the matter told The Post.

They said the retailer believed the issue was with customer misuse, not a product defect, with none of the reported injuries caused when the bottles contained water.

“Our position is that when the water bottle is used to hold water, it is safe,” they said.

But Locklar, the attorney for the Georgia couple, claimed that the issue could have been fixed with different threading on the screw top lid or a valve to release pressure.

In 2020, Walmart added a warning to the packaging of the water bottles, informing customers that storing anything inside the bottles aside from water could “cause pressure buildup and lead to lid failure and spills” and cause injuries.

The Walmart official told The Post that this “seemed to work” with just one other injury reported in 2024 as a result of the ‘explosive’ lids which was what sparked the recall this year at the request of the CPSC.

“The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority and (we) maintain that this product is of a conventional design and safe when used for water, as intended,” Walmart spokeswoman Annie Patterson said in a statement.

The U.S. Sun has reached out to the CPSC for comment.

Meanwhile, Walmart shoppers have been warned to “immediately stop” wearing “hazardous” clothing sold at stores nationwide over injury concerns.

And, batches of cookies sold at Target were recalled over fears they may have been contaminated with wood.

Alamy

A total of four shoppers have been injured by the ‘explosive’ lid issue since 2018 (stock)[/caption]

TIMES Square’s bright lights and bustling energy make it one of New York’s biggest tourist magnets, but recent events have left many wondering: Is it safe to visit?

With a shooting incident on August 9, 2025 that left three people injured, it’s natural for travellers to have concerns about venturing into the famous “Crossroads of the World.”

Shutterstock Editorial

The truth is, Times Square remains one of the most heavily policed areas in Manhattan.

But like any major tourist destination, it comes with its own set of safety considerations that smart visitors should know about.

What’s been happening in Times Square?

Saturday morning brought sobering news when three people were wounded in a shooting in Times Square.

The incident occurred between West 44th Street and 7th Avenue, with victims taken to Bellevue Hospital, where they were reported in stable condition.

While any violent incident is concerning, it’s worth noting that such serious crimes in Times Square are relatively rare, given the millions of people who pass through the area annually.

The NYPD responded quickly to the scene, demonstrating the robust police presence that’s maintained in the area around the clock.

Previous incidents have also occurred, including surveillance footage showing a shooting at a Times Square store where a tourist was shot in the leg.

But these remain isolated events rather than indicative of widespread danger.

How common are serious crimes in Times Square?

Despite its reputation in films and older media, modern Times Square is dramatically different from its grittier past.

The area underwent massive revitalization in the 1990s and early 2000s, transforming it into a family-friendly destination.

The NYPD maintains a significant presence in Times Square year-round, with both uniformed officers and plainclothes detectives patrolling regularly.

The Times Square Alliance also employs private security personnel who work alongside law enforcement to maintain order.

Statistically, your chances of experiencing serious crime in Times Square are relatively low.

The area sees minor crimes like pickpocketing and scams targeting tourists, but violent incidents like shootings remain uncommon, given the foot traffic volume.

Shutterstock Editorial

What safety measures are in place in Times Square?

Times Square benefits from some of the most comprehensive security infrastructure in New York City.

The area features extensive CCTV coverage, with cameras positioned throughout the pedestrian plazas and surrounding blocks.

Police substations are strategically located within Times Square itself, ensuring rapid response times for any incidents.

You’ll typically see mounted police, foot patrols, and police vehicles circulating the area, especially during peak tourist hours and evening entertainment periods.

The Times Square Alliance coordinates with the NYPD to provide additional security layers, including trained personnel who can assist with directions, answer questions, and identify potential problems before they escalate.

During major events, holidays, and New Year’s Eve celebrations, security measures are significantly enhanced with additional barriers, screening procedures, and expanded police presence.

Should you still visit Times Square?

Despite recent incidents, Times Square remains one of New York’s safest tourist areas due to its high-profile nature and corresponding security measures.

According to Gothamist, “Violent crime there — which includes murder, rape, robbery and assault — has gone down in Times Square compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to Times Square Alliance reports based on NYPD data.”

Millions of visitors experience Times Square without incident every year.

The key is exercising the same common-sense precautions you’d use in any major urban tourist destination.

Stay alert, travel in groups when possible, and trust your instincts if something feels off.

Recent events serve as reminders that no urban area is entirely risk-free, but they shouldn’t deter you from experiencing one of New York’s most iconic destinations.

The overwhelming majority of Times Square visits are completely uneventful.

If you’re still concerned, consider visiting during daytime hours when foot traffic is heaviest and visibility is best.

Early evening can also be ideal, as the area comes alive with theater-goers and diners while maintaining good lighting and police presence.