Balloons Filled with Hydrogen Gas Require Caution
Can Instantly Explode Even with a Small Spark
"Purchase Only Balloons Filled with Helium Gas"
A Vietnamese woman was engulfed in flames while celebrating her birthday party. Photo by Giang Pham Facebook
A woman in Vietnam was suddenly engulfed in flames at her birthday celebration. The incident was caused by balloons filled with hydrogen gas instead of helium, resulting in first-degree burns on her hands and second-degree burns on her face. Similar accidents often occur during special occasions, so caution is necessary.
According to local Vietnamese media on the 17th, Giang Pham (33) held a birthday party with acquaintances last month to celebrate her birthday when the accident happened. Near the end of the party, she went up to the stage decorated with balloons holding a cake for a commemorative photo. The released video shows that as Pham blew out the candles on the cake, a large balloon next to her burst, releasing a huge ball of fire.
She screamed, dropped the cake on the floor, and tried to avoid the flames, but was engulfed in fire on the spot. The acquaintances watching were also shocked and screamed, and the video ends with her clutching her face in pain. Hospital examinations revealed that she suffered first- and second-degree burns on 10% of her body.
A Vietnamese woman was engulfed in flames while celebrating her birthday party. Photo by Giang Pham Facebook
The cause of the accident was the party balloon Pham was holding. The balloon contained hydrogen gas instead of helium. In the past, hydrogen gas was used in balloons, but due to the high risk of explosion, helium has replaced it. However, since hydrogen is cheaper than helium, there are still cases where inexpensive hydrogen is used.
Hydrogen balloons easily explode near flames and have a strong explosive force. Balloons filled with helium slowly release gas when popped and do not explode, but hydrogen balloons explode instantly even if exposed to a cigarette lighter or a small spark. Experts warn, “Balloons filled with hydrogen are at risk of explosion even near hot air or light bulbs.” Local fire authorities also cautioned, “Balloons filled with flammable hydrogen gas instead of helium to cut costs are prone to explode when exposed to flames or static electricity.” It is impossible to distinguish by sight whether the gas inside a balloon is helium or hydrogen, so extra care should be taken when purchasing balloons.
Pham posted on her Facebook, “If the party venue had been filled with hydrogen, the entire restaurant would have burned down,” emphasizing, “To avoid accidents like mine, keep balloons away from flammable objects such as candles.” She added, “I want to share the video so everyone can see it and prevent unfortunate incidents,” and said, “It will take up to six months for my skin to heal.”
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