A routine night in a Goregaon high-rise turned chaotic when a cluster of gas-filled balloons exploded inside a lift, injuring three people and sending shockwaves across residential buildings. The entire incident was caught on CCTV and has sparked concerns over safety practices involving flammable gases in confined spaces.
Blast in Lift During Balloon Delivery
The explosion happened on February 2 around 10:30 PM at Anmol Tower in Goregaon (West), a busy residential locality in Mumbai. According to police and eyewitnesses, a delivery worker entered the lift carrying a large bunch of gas-filled birthday balloons. Moments later, the balloons detonated violently, engulfing the lift in flames.
Security footage shows the lift filling with smoke and fire almost instantly after the blast. Three people, including a 21-year-old student and the delivery rider were inside or near the lift at the time. All three managed to escape with injuries and were rushed to hospital.
Initial police and hospital reports indicate that at least one person suffered burn injuries on multiple parts of the body, including the arm, neck and stomach, and others sustained minor burns and smoke inhalation. The injured are currently under medical care, with condition described as stable. Officials from the local fire department and police have taken statements from the survivors and neighbors, and an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the blast.
CCTV Footage Sparks Safety Debate
The CCTV recording of the explosion has gone viral on social media, prompting widespread discussion on public safety standards. In the video, residents can be seen entering the lift as the delivery man steps in with a large bunch of balloons. Seconds later, a bright flash and loud bang fill the small space, forcing everyone to sprint out as flames and smoke rush behind them. Images shared online show the lift’s interior scorched and dotted with debris from the blast. The dramatic visuals have raised questions about how flammable gases were handled and transported in such a confined space.
Authorities say the balloons likely contained hydrogen or another flammable gas. While lighter gases like helium are typically safe hydrogen, if present is highly combustible and can explode with a tiny spark or pressure change. Police sources say preliminary signs point to flammable gas accumulation inside the lift as a trigger, but forensic analysis is pending. Experts warn that transporting balloons filled with highly flammable gases in confined areas like elevators can be extremely dangerous. Elevators lack ventilation and are full of electrical equipment, creating conditions where sparks could ignite any volatile gas. Safety guides generally recommend using inert gases such as helium for decorations to avoid such hazards.
Following the incident, Goregaon police registered a case of negligence and are questioning the balloon supplier and delivery agent. Officers are examining whether proper safety guidelines were ignored and if the balloons were filled with the correct type of gas. A local police spokesperson said the incident highlights the importance of regulating the sale and transport of flammable materials in residential zones. She urged residents to exercise caution and follow safety norms.
