5, including 4 kids, injured after helium balloon bursts at birthday party

Five people, including four children, suffered burn injuries after a ‘helium’ balloon burst into flames after coming into contact with an electric wire. The incident occurred during a birthday party in Bengaluru on September 30.

The injured have been identified as HAL employee Vijay Aditya Kumar, 44, Dhyan Chandra, 7, Ishan, 2, Sanjay, 8, and Sohila, 3, the Indian Express reported.

Neighbours rushed the victims to a hospital following the incident.

A police officer said that there was a sparkling candle in the room and as the balloon burst, the fire spread.

An official suspected that the balloon may have been filled with hydrogen, instead of helium.

“Helium is an inert gas and does not react with any other substance. Even if it comes into contact with a flame or heat source, the balloon will just pop like any other ordinary inflated balloon. Whereas, hydrogen is a flammable gas and it spreads fire,” the officer said.

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