After his stream on Monday, July 4, Darren Watkins Jr. (also known as IShowSpeed or Speed) quickly gained popularity on social media. The native of Cincinnati, Ohio, lit a Pikachu firecracker in his room to commemorate the Fourth of July.
The contentious YouTuber appeared to have underestimated the fireworks and possibly thought it was just a light sprinkler. Speed lighted the Pikachu-shaped firework next to a box of other fireworks on his bed, which only made the situation more hazardous.
The Pikachu fireworks did not cause the fire to spread to the others. The entire incident was broadcast on YouTube, and many discussion participants urged the 17-year-old to let off the fireworks outside. A fireman in his room, who may have been called due to the safety concern in his bedroom, was where the stream came to a halt.
IShowSpeed sets off fireworks in his bedroom, just barely avoiding starting a fire
IShowSpeed chose the Pikachu firework to light live on stream and started unpacking it in the video feed. He then stated to the chat:
“I got a lot of fireworks right now. Let’s light the Pikachu one, ya’ll. I don’t think it’s gonna be that loud, personally.”
After a few seconds of initially subdued sparkles, the fireworks, however, erupted into flaming ones. Speed was heard yelling in fear as the Pikachu firework sent out sparks at an incredible rate. The YouTuber made a call to his mother in the midst of the incident. The fireworks appeared to explode in phases, leading to the sparks eventually shooting out of the figure’s limbs.
Later on in the stream, the mother of IShowSpeed might be heard. As was to be expected, Speed’s mother reprimanded the 17-year-old after witnessing his antics. Darren was heard talking to his mother in the stream.
The fireworks started blasting cracker-like sparks as they ignited, which further alarmed Speed. When the YouTuber immediately decided to dump the Pikachu on the ground, the firework was just about to start spewing sparks in a rotating manner. This choice may have prevented further damage to Speed’s bedroom because the firework was placed on top of other boxes containing highly combustible pyrotechnic items.
After the potentially dangerous circumstance, it appears that IShowSpeed and his mother are both fine. However, it is unknown right now how much damage his bedroom has incurred. The issue has not yet been addressed by the YouTuber in any social media posts.
Internet users respond to the Fourth of July stream’s firework failure
Numerous online users referred to the YouTuber as “mad” after the stream. Even other creators responded to the tragedy, like KSI, who showed worry for Speed and his mother.
Speed is different, amazing, KSI exclaimed. I wish him and his mother well.
He also lied to the fireman, a user commented.
Another user reported that IShowSpeed had lit pyrotechnics in his room and put his house on fire before the fire department arrived.
Another person reported that ishowspeed, who had 175k viewers, had lit a Pikachu firecracker in his bedroom before the fire alarm went off, causing him to have to end his stream. I am at a loss for words beyond that.
One more user stated, I finally made the decision to watch an Ishowspeed stream to learn more about him. The first thing I notice is him lighting a Pikachu firework on his bed, which causes the room to fill with smoke.
Many tweets made fun of the scenario in the meanwhile, with some people amazed that IShowSpeed wasn’t fabricating the story until the firemen arrived. Numerous memes were born from the streamer’s response. Some, however, also used the experience as a sobering lesson for others, reminding everyone of the risks associated with lighting fireworks in enclosed quarters.