Mumbai Lift Explosion: Woman Injured as Gas-Filled Balloons Ignite
Two individuals have sustained burn injuries following a dramatic explosion of gas-filled balloons inside a residential building lift in Mumbai, with authorities now investigating whether dangerous hydrogen gas was used instead of safe helium.
Shocking CCTV Captures Moment of Blast
The terrifying incident occurred on Tuesday evening in Goregaon, a western suburb of the coastal city, when a cluster of balloons suddenly ignited within the confined elevator space. Closed-circuit television footage reveals a woman entering the lift first with a small trolley bag, followed closely by a man carrying more than a dozen balloons packed inside a large polythene sack.
As another man attempts to step into the elevator, the balloons unexpectedly explode, creating a brief but intense fireball that completely fills the small compartment. The flames momentarily obscure the camera's view before all three occupants rush out of the lift in panic. The man carrying the balloons is seen stumbling to the floor immediately after exiting the dangerous situation.
Investigation Focuses on Flammable Gas Concerns
Police confirmed that both the man and woman suffered burn injuries in the explosion and received medical treatment. Authorities have registered a case against the balloon seller involved as they work to determine the exact cause of the incident.
The critical investigation question centers on what type of gas was used to inflate the balloons. While helium is commonly and safely used for balloons as it is not flammable, hydrogen-filled balloons present serious dangers. Hydrogen is highly combustible and can ignite easily in enclosed spaces or near heat sources, creating precisely the type of hazardous situation that occurred in Mumbai.
Wider Safety Concerns Renewed by Viral Footage
A video of the frightening explosion has circulated widely across social media platforms, reigniting important safety discussions about the use of hydrogen balloons. This incident represents just the latest in a series of similar accidents linked to flammable balloon gases.
Last year, hydrogen balloons exploded during an Indian wedding ceremony, leaving both the bride and groom with significant burn injuries. In another concerning case, a woman suffered burns when balloons she was holding ignited near birthday cake candles, demonstrating the ever-present danger of these materials near heat sources.
Authorities Issue Public Safety Warning
The Mumbai police have responded to the incident by urging the public to exercise extreme caution and specifically warning balloon sellers against using flammable gases. Their advisory emphasizes the particular dangers of such practices in residential buildings and enclosed areas where ventilation is limited and escape routes may be restricted.
This alarming event serves as a stark reminder of the potentially catastrophic consequences when proper safety protocols are not followed with gas-filled balloons, especially in crowded urban environments like Mumbai where residential buildings contain numerous enclosed spaces.
