Gas-Filled Balloons Explode in Mumbai Lift, Injuring Two
A birthday celebration turned frightening in Mumbai, India, on Monday evening when a cluster of gas-filled balloons exploded inside a lift, injuring two people. The incident, which occurred around 10:30 p.m. In Anmol Tower, left a 21-year-old student and a delivery man with burn injuries.
Himani Tapriya, the student, sustained burns to her arm, neck and stomach, while 32-year-old Raju Kumar Mahato, the delivery man, was also injured in the sudden burst of flames. CCTV footage of the incident, widely circulated, shows Tapriya entering the lift with a bag. Mahato followed, carrying a plastic bag containing approximately 10 to 12 white, gold, and peach balloons.
As a third person stepped into the confined space, the balloons unexpectedly ignited, filling the lift with flames for a brief but terrifying moment. The footage shows all three occupants immediately rushing out of the lift as the doors opened, with Tapriya leaving her bag behind in the ensuing panic.
According to a police officer who spoke with the Times of India, the balloons had been ordered by a building resident, Arpit Jain, for a birthday celebration within his family. Mahato was tasked with delivering the balloons to the resident.
The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation. Authorities are examining whether the balloons were overfilled with flammable gas, or if another factor contributed to the ignition. The incident raises questions about the safety of transporting and using gas-filled balloons, particularly in enclosed spaces.
Here’s not an isolated incident. Recent reports indicate a similar event occurred in India where birthday balloons exploded, injuring two people. In another incident, a woman was injured after gas-filled balloons exploded in a lift in India.
The Anmol Tower incident underscores the potential dangers associated with celebratory items like balloons. While often seen as harmless decorations, the use of flammable gases requires careful handling and adherence to safety guidelines. The police have reportedly booked the shop owner for negligence in connection with the incident.
The injured individuals are receiving medical attention, and authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the explosion. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety precautions when using gas-filled balloons, especially in confined spaces like lifts.
