The crisis unfolded as 21-year-old Himani Gagan Tapariya entered the lift, followed shortly by Raju Kumar Mahto, a delivery worker transporting a dozen large balloons. According to preliminary investigations, as the elevator ascended, the confined space was abruptly consumed by flames. Forensic experts suggest that the friction of the balloons against the elevator walls or each other likely generated a static spark, which acted as a detonator for the highly combustible gas. The resulting flash fire filled the small cabin within seconds, trapping both individuals in a momentary inferno.
The victims managed to escape the elevator once the doors opened, but not without sustaining painful injuries. Tapariya suffered burns across her neck, abdomen, and hands, while Mahto sustained injuries to his face. Both were rushed to a nearby medical facility for emergency treatment. Following the incident, local authorities launched an immediate probe into the source of the balloons. The police have since filed a formal case against the owner of the vending company responsible for the delivery, citing a blatant disregard for public safety and the endangerment of lives.
This explosion serves as a stark reminder of the "silent" danger lurking in the city’s festive industry. While helium is a non-flammable noble gas, its high cost often drives local vendors to use hydrogen—a gas so volatile it is typically reserved for industrial applications—to ensure balloons float. As Mumbai police continue their investigation into the vendor's practices, the incident underscores the critical need for stricter regulation and consumer awareness regarding the gases used in public and residential spaces, turning a celebratory commodity into a potential life-threatening hazard.
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