Everybody talks about how smart children are, but apparently they aren't all smart enough to know you should never climb into a mailbox.Four-year old Jakob Strauss in Austria ran into the box after a mailman left it open, then inadvertently latched the door behind him. The next natural step was for him to freak out and scream for help. Unfortunately, nobody would help him because all passersby thought it was part of a Candid Camera-style prank. Thanks, reality TV.
Firefighters eventually freed the boy using bolt cutters, but not before the whole incident ensured the kid would have panic attacks every time he receives a birthday card for the rest of his life.
"He told his mum he would not be going anywhere near any postboxes any more and he never wants to see a letter again for the rest of his life after being stuck in there with so many of them," said a spokesman.
It isn't just kids, though -- all sorts of people are always getting themselves into sticky (or tight, or cramped) situations.
Like this guy, who climbed into a sewer trying to find a set of keys.
Or a woman in Kansas who somehow became stuck to a toilet seat for two years and refused to get up.
Then there were 24 of the most unfortunate people ever: left dangling upside-down in a roller coaster for four hours.
And lastly, here's a real brain-buster: A small child manages to trap himself in a crane game. How did he get in there?! It makes no sense!
More stuff from around the web:
Is this monstrosity the "perfect pet"? (Lemondrop)
Pretty lady lures federal witness to his death. (Asylum)
Little-known fact about babies: They scream! (amalah)












Comments:
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Wednesday 12 August
By Jeannie
Sounds like something my 8 year old would do if left unattended for too long. At that age the imagination is running wild. You HAVE TO WATCH KIDS PEOPLE!
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Saturday 15 August
By gunkaixie
111
Saturday 15 August
By Carolyn
Where were the parents during all this time and what was he doing out on the street alone.? This is a 4 year old. He should not have been unsupervised
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Saturday 15 August
By DEE
I agree with you Carolyn, where were his parents ?? why was he not being watched by them , and did they not miss him during this time ..?
Saturday 15 August
By jbjg24m
a real U S MALE !
Reply
Saturday 15 August
By desire
That's Hilarious! Seriously people...where was his mother?
Saturday 15 August
By Rene
This granny says you hit it right on the head with your comment. I am still smiling.
Saturday 15 August
By ....
woow that is mess up some one should of came when he was crying and screaming for help rather if it was a "PRANK OR NOT"
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Saturday 15 August
By Mark
The kid should have tried FedEx or UPS.
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Saturday 15 August
By Marshall
I am sure that this kid kind of knew what he was doing somewhat.
He was the author of his own game! I have began to avoid riding in
most roller coasters because their safety is never fully guaranteed.
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Saturday 15 August
By Mary Forstall
Sorry Marshal- I don't agree. Four year old children need guidance and protection. because contrary to your opinion; children act on curiosity not malice.
Saturday 15 August
By MUTH
100% RISK IS GUARANTEED IN ROLLER COASTERS!
Saturday 15 August
By debbe
I watached my four year old every second when we were outdoors so how did this happen?
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Saturday 15 August
By ANonya
where was his MOther!?!?!?!?!?Shame on the writer for not mentioning that! "passer bys ignored him", well what the heck were his PARENTS doing>? I fail to see why so many blame outside people for tragic instances in kids lives...its the people passing by, its the police, its the children services units, its everyones fault BUT the parents!
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Saturday 15 August
By Mary Forstall
No truer words were ever said! Where are the adults in this child's wrold;including the postal service employee that left the doo open!
Saturday 15 August
By Susan D'Entremont
Where were the parents of this 4 year old boy??Children at this age need SUPERVISION. But then again, this was in Austria.
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Saturday 15 August
By WayToGoPens09
Where were the Mom and Dad while this was going on?? So many people having children these days that shouldn't be be having them!!!!
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Saturday 15 August
By Angel
This Could of been really Serious had he not been heard from sooner by someone that would of DUHHHHHHH knew it was a cry for HELP. As for his MOM where the heck was you while ur son was Missing?
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Saturday 15 August
By Krysteena
1st off-- the postal personnel ONLY open the boxes to RETRIEVE the letters within, they then close and lock it back. total time aproximately 3-5 minutes. YET the artical refers to the box being FULL of letters. Rather unbelievable!
2ndly -- as others have pointed out where were the parents!! The parents of this generation have become so unreliable in their efforts to rear children - they expect the child to care for itself. That is why there are so many child related accidents and deaths in the world today.
3rdly-- the article says passersby would do nothing because they thought it was for a tv show--I would like to think people would be intelligent enough to take action when they here some one screaming then ask questions later..but thanks to stupid tv and rediculous laws and many other reasons ---"people don't want to get involved"--they should all think "what if it was a member of my family"? getting involved in grown folks matters may be a bit different but when it comes to a child there should be no question to it!!!!
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Saturday 15 August
By lita
Well four year olds are still just as curious as three and two year olds. I'm almost postive he thought he would be able to get out. Parents should know that small children need to be checked on and looked after. What really feaks me out is the people who heard him and thought it was a joke. I can imagine he was screaming to the top of his lungs.
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