Boy, 3, rescued after stubborn standoff in gas cylinder

A three-year-old boy found himself trapped in an empty gas cylinder after slipping his legs through the carrying holes, normally used to lift and move the cylinder, prompting his family to call the Pasir Gudang Fire and Rescue for assistance. PIC SCREENGRAB FROM SOCMED

PASIR GUDANG: A three-year-old boy found himself trapped in an empty gas cylinder after slipping his legs through the carrying holes, normally used to lift and move the cylinder, prompting his family to call the Pasir Gudang Fire and Rescue for assistance.

The incident occurred at 3pm on Dec 7, while the boy was seated in the back of the family car. He had wedged himself inside a cylinder that his mother had intended to replace.

Family attempts to free him lasted nearly 10 minutes but were unsuccessful.

A spokesman for the Johor Fire and Rescue Department said the rescue was straightforward once firefighters arrived.

"The child was simply resisting. He stiffened his legs and refused to come out," the spokesperson said.

"Our team gently coaxed him, and he was freed without injury."

The boy was safely returned to his relieved family.

Captured on video, the incident quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread attention and praise for the firefighters' calm and professional handling of the situation.

The boy's mother, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted the tense moment.

"I was worried he might hurt himself. The cylinder was empty, but his hips were stuck," she said.