Mumbai witnessed a heart-stopping moment when a cluster of hydrogen balloons detonated inside an apartment lift, injuring two residents and sending shockwaves through social media. The February 4 incident at Goregaon’s Anmol Tower has prompted police action and expert warnings.
Eyewitness accounts and CCTV confirm a man entered the elevator carrying the balloons, joining a woman and another individual already present. Seconds later, as doors shut, a massive pop echoed, followed by flames erupting from the burst balloons.
The three managed a narrow escape, with the fire fizzling out rapidly. Two sustained burns—a man and a woman—though medical reports indicate no critical conditions. The video’s raw intensity shows their desperate flight from the smoke-filled cabin.
Safety specialists highlight hydrogen’s volatility: unlike safe helium, it ignites easily, turning everyday items into potential bombs in tight spaces. Authorities are probing the balloon handler, emphasizing stricter regulations on gas usage.
Online, the clip has amassed millions of views, sparking debates on urban safety. Netizens advise keeping such balloons away from elevators, stairs, and crowds. This freak accident spotlights the need for education on invisible dangers lurking in festive decorations.
