Birthday Balloons Trigger Terrifying Explosion in Mumbai High-Rise Elevator
A routine birthday celebration took a dangerous turn in Mumbai when a bunch of gas-filled balloons exploded inside a residential building elevator, creating a flash fire that was captured on chilling CCTV footage now circulating widely online. The incident occurred at Anmol Tower in Goregaon (West) on Monday night, causing panic among residents and resulting in burn injuries to two individuals.
Chilling CCTV Footage Captures the Terrifying Moment
The viral CCTV video shows a woman entering the elevator with a small trolley, followed closely by a man carrying multiple balloons stuffed inside a large polythene bag. Within moments of the elevator doors closing, the balloons suddenly ignite, triggering a flash explosion inside the confined space. Flames are seen flaring up dramatically and briefly engulfing the CCTV camera before the doors reopen. Seconds later, the woman and two men rush out of the elevator as the fire subsides.
Victims Identified and Injuries Detailed
According to police reports, the woman seen in the video has been identified as 21-year-old student Himani Tapriya, who sustained burn injuries on her arm, neck, and stomach during the explosion. Tapriya, who is originally from Surat, had just arrived in Mumbai to visit her aunt when the incident occurred. The police confirmed she was immediately provided medical assistance and is now out of danger.
The delivery person, identified as 32-year-old Raju Kumar Mahato, also suffered burn injuries in the incident. Mahato was reportedly carrying approximately 10 to 12 gas-filled balloons that had been ordered by building resident Arpit Jain for a family birthday celebration.
Police Register Negligence Case Against Shop Owner
The Goregaon police have taken serious action in response to the incident, registering a case of negligence against T K Jaiswal, the owner of the shop from where the balloons were sourced. Jaiswal has been booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 125 (negligence) and has been served an official notice.
"Jaiswal did not provide safety instructions to the delivery person, which led to the incident," an officer from the Goregaon police station stated. The officer emphasized that proper safety protocols were completely ignored, creating a dangerous situation that could have resulted in more serious consequences.
Safety Concerns and Lack of Precautions
Tapriya has alleged that the explosion resulted from careless handling and a complete absence of safety measures. She claimed the delivery worker had not been given any protective equipment or proper guidance regarding the handling of gas-filled balloons, which are known to be potentially hazardous when not handled correctly.
This incident highlights significant safety concerns regarding the transportation and handling of gas-filled balloons in confined spaces like elevators. The combination of flammable gas, confined quarters, and potential ignition sources created a perfect storm for this dangerous explosion.
Broader Implications for Public Safety
The viral nature of the CCTV footage has sparked widespread discussion about safety protocols for handling potentially hazardous materials in residential buildings. Many are questioning whether sufficient regulations exist for the delivery and transportation of items like gas-filled balloons, particularly in high-rise buildings where elevators present additional risks.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of how seemingly innocent celebratory items can become dangerous when proper safety measures are not followed. It also raises questions about vendor responsibility and the need for comprehensive safety training for delivery personnel handling potentially hazardous materials.
The Mumbai police investigation continues as they examine all aspects of this alarming incident that turned a birthday celebration into a terrifying ordeal for all involved.
