Corks that go pop the wrong way

A flying Champagne cork can reach a speed of 50 miles per hour as it launches from the bottle! Eye injuries from shooting corks can include rupture of the eye, retinal detachment, dislocation of the lens and even a fractured bone in the eye socket. Prevention is key – point the cork end of the bottle at a 45-degree angle away from yourself and others before starting to open it. Hold the palm of your hand over the cork while removing the wire cage, and keep your hand there – don’t walk away to dispose of the wire. Place a tea towel over the top of the bottle, grasp the cork and twist the bottle while holding the cork still (and pointing away at that 45-degree angle). As the seal on the cork breaks, press down to counteract the force and allow the cork to gently release with a satisfying fzzzzt.

‘A flying Champagne cork can reach a speed of 50 miles per hour’