Two Explosions In A Week: Why Celebration Balloons Catch Fire And What You Must Do To Stay Safe

Last Updated:February 06, 2026, 15:02 IST

The two incidents have renewed concerns about balloon safety and the gases commonly used to fill them, prompting a closer look at what causes such flash explosions.

Two incidents within a week — a balloon explosion inside a lift in Mumbai’s Goregaon and another during a political rally in Ujjain — have drawn attention to a recurring safety concern involving decorative balloons. In both cases, the balloons burst violently and without any visible flame source.

Both episodes point to the likelihood that the balloons were filled with hydrogen rather than helium, a common practice because hydrogen is cheaper, widely used by vendors, and visually indistinguishable.

These incidents have revived questions about why such balloons catch fire so suddenly, what makes certain settings particularly dangerous and what people can do to stay safe.

What Happened In The Mumbai Lift Incident?

CCTV footage from Anmol Tower in Goregaon showed three people entering a lift, among them a delivery worker carrying a bunch of gas-filled balloons wrapped in a plastic bag for a birthday celebration. Seconds later, the balloons burst and the lift was engulfed in flames. Two occupants suffered burns but managed to escape because the lift door had not yet closed.

Police have registered a case of negligence against the owner of the shop under section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act, according to a TOI report, and are examining the nature of the gas used.

What Happened In Ujjain?

During a BJP youth wing event in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain, hydrogen-filled balloons brought onto the stage for a ceremonial release exploded just as they were being handed over to the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) State President Shyam Tailor.

The blast triggered chaos: several party workers fell off the platform, others lost balance and the stage briefly descended into confusion. Tailor also fell during the commotion but was quickly assisted by security personnel and fellow party members. No serious injuries were reported.

Why Hydrogen Balloons Behave This Way

Hydrogen and helium are both lighter-than-air gases that make balloons float. The key difference is that helium is inert and non-flammable, while hydrogen is highly combustible. Yet hydrogen is widely used because it costs far less and appears identical once inside a balloon.

Hydrogen ignites with minimal provocation. A tiny spark, friction from balloons rubbing against plastic or clothes, or a small static discharge is enough to set it off. When a hydrogen-filled balloon bursts, the gas escapes instantly, mixes rapidly with air and forms an explosive environment.

This is why even without a visible flame source, a sudden fireball can appear the moment the gas ignites.

Why Lifts Are Especially Dangerous

The Mumbai incident illustrates the worst-case environment for hydrogen-filled balloons:

• Lifts are enclosed metal cabins.
• Electrical wiring, control panels, lights and sensors are always active.
• Movement, friction and synthetic clothing generate static electricity.
• There is no ventilation, so leaking hydrogen accumulates near the ceiling.

If a balloon pops, the hydrogen rises immediately to where electrical components are located. A microscopic spark is enough to ignite it. Because the cabin is sealed, the pressure wave from the combustion has nowhere to escape, intensifying the blast and causing sudden burns, eardrum damage or even door jamming.

While hydrogen isn’t “poisonous", it is an asphyxiant, which means it can make you lose consciousness.

Why Vendors Use Hydrogen Despite The Risks

Cost is the biggest factor. Helium is significantly more expensive and often in limited supply. Hydrogen is cheap, accessible and gives the same floating effect. Buyers typically cannot tell which gas has been used, unless they specifically ask for certified helium. Most street vendors do not disclose the switch.

As a result, people unknowingly purchase balloons that behave very differently when they burst.

How To Stay Safe: Practical Steps To Avoid Such Incidents

• Never take gas-filled balloons inside lifts.Regardless of the gas, avoid carrying bunches of balloons into an elevator.
• Assume balloons are hydrogen-filled unless verified.If the price is low or the vendor cannot confirm the gas, do not treat the balloons as safe.
• Keep balloons away from wiring, lights, sound equipment and metal frames.
• Avoid wrapping balloons in plastic bags.Plastic creates friction and static, increasing the chances of ignition.
• Limit balloon use in packed or enclosed spaces.Hydrogen disperses slowly in confined areas, raising the risk of sudden flash combustion.
• Keep balloons far away from candles, firecrackers, and cake-cutting areas where sparks might fly.
• For large events, insist on certified helium suppliers.Event planners should avoid balloons filled by roadside vendors altogether.
• Discard balloons immediately if they begin to leak or feel unusually light. Leaking hydrogen mixes quickly with air and becomes flammable.
• Always tie helium balloons to a weight to prevent them from floating away, particularly outdoors.
• When finished, do not just throw them away. Cut the balloon with scissors to release the gas safely, rather than popping them, which can be alarming.
• Never leave children under 8 years old unsupervised with latex balloons due to choking hazards if they pop.

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