Veteran Broadcaster Odeta Schwartz Recounts Horrific Acid Burn Accident

Veteran Israeli media personality and presenter Odeta Schwartz recently shared details of a severe accident that occurred at her home approximately four months ago, resulting in her urgent hospitalization. While attempting to clear a clogged drain, a corrosive household acid spilled onto her body, causing extensive burns.

In a candid interview on the "HaKol Patuach" podcast with Avi Shushan for Maariv, Schwartz described the terrifying moments and the painful physical ordeal she endured. She recounted the intense burning sensation, comparing it to being hit by a flamethrower. Fortunately, she acted quickly, immediately rushing to the bathroom and remaining under lukewarm water for 20 minutes while still clothed. She later learned that this was the correct first aid, as cold water would have sealed her pores, trapping the acid, and hot water would have been equally damaging. Her clothes disintegrated from the burns.

The first person she sought help from was her cousin, who was present. Schwartz urgently requested a trip to the emergency room, while her cousin expressed her own distress, which Schwartz rebuffed, prioritizing her own critical condition.

Schwartz also detailed the arduous and painful recovery process in the weeks following the incident, describing sitting in the bathtub for an hour daily with a bottle of water and a plastic chair, enduring screams. Shushan, the podcast host, admitted to feeling apprehensive before the interview but praised Schwartz's resilience. Schwartz affirmed this sentiment, noting that ending the episode with a song of gratitude further strengthened her.