WEST VIRGINIA — A teenage girl had to be hospitalized after she was badly scalded by a popular squishy toy — similar to viral mystery dumplings or NeeDoh cubes — that had been left in a hot car.

The child let out a “blood-curdling scream” just moments after the family began driving, her mother, Kim Staggs, recalled.

“We weren’t even a mile up the road, and she just lets out this blood-curdling scream. My heart sank.”

The toy reportedly exploded or burst due to the extreme heat inside the vehicle, causing severe burns to the girl.

This incident serves as a stark warning about the dangers of leaving items — especially gel-filled or liquid-containing toys — in hot cars during the summer months.

The teen is recovering in the hospital after the painful ordeal. Parents are urged to be cautious with such toys and never leave them in vehicles exposed to high temperatures.

Our thoughts are with the family as their daughter heals from this frightening accident.