How Many People Are Killed By Champagne Corks Every Year​?

It is often said that champagne corks can be dangerous, and while the idea of people being killed by them may sound like an urban legend, incidents do occur, though deaths are extremely rare. Here’s what is generally known:

Champagne Cork Accidents:

• Eye injuries are the most common issue. Champagne corks can fly at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour), causing eye damage or other injuries if they hit someone.
• In rare cases, more serious accidents can occur if the cork hits someone in a sensitive area, like the temple, potentially causing trauma. However, fatalities are exceedingly uncommon.

Estimated Deaths:

• A few reports over the years suggest that around 1 to 2 people per year globally might die from champagne cork-related accidents. These cases are extremely rare and typically involve freak accidents where the cork causes severe trauma to the head or leads to complications from other injuries.

In summary, while champagne corks can cause injuries, especially to the eyes, the actual number of fatalities is very low—likely only a few cases worldwide each year. Most incidents result in minor injuries that do not lead to death.