A routine elevator ride turned nightmarish in Mumbai when flammable balloons exploded, injuring two people and briefly setting the cabin ablaze. Captured on building CCTV, the footage from Anmol Tower in Goregaon has exploded across social media, drawing millions of stunned viewers.
Details emerge: A resident loaded the lift with hydrogen-charged balloons for an event, unaware of the peril. Accompanied by a woman and another man, the doors closed—triggering the catastrophic burst and ignition.
In split seconds, the occupants bolted out, averting disaster. The flames died down fast, but burns afflicted two: one male, one female. No severe trauma reported, yet the close call rattles the community.
Hydrogen’s infamy as a fire hazard in enclosed environments is reaffirmed by professionals. Helium alternatives exist, but ignorance prevails. Police have filed charges against the culprit, investigating gas type and negligence.
Reactions pour in online: calls for bans on hydrogen balloons in high-rises, better signage, and awareness drives. This incident, while contained, exposes vulnerabilities in modern living spaces, urging vigilance against seemingly harmless joys.