Hydrogen Filled Balloons Explode in Mumbai Lift: Chilling Viral Video Shows Fireball Engulfing Two in Goregaon High-Rise
GOREGAON, MUMBAI – A routine elevator ride turned into a terrifying brush with death at a residential high-rise in Goregaon West after a cluster of gas-filled balloons exploded into a massive fireball, leaving a college student and a delivery executive with severe burn injuries.
The chilling incident, which occurred on Monday night, February 2, 2026, was captured on the building’s CCTV system. The footage has since gone viral, sparking a nationwide debate over the hazardous use of cheap hydrogen gas in party decorations.
The Chilling Moment: Fireball Engulfs Occupants
The incident took place around 10:30 PM at Anmol Tower (also known as Amol Tower), located opposite the Patel Petrol Pump on S.V. Road. According to police reports, Himani Gagan Tapariya, a 21-year-old student from Surat who had just arrived in Mumbai to visit her aunt, entered the lift on the ground floor.
Moments later, 32-year-old Raju Kumar Mahato, a delivery worker, stepped into the confined space carrying approximately 10–12 gas-filled balloons. As the lift doors closed and the elevator began its ascent, the balloons suddenly detonated without warning. The CCTV footage shows a blinding flash of fire filling the entire cabin, forcing the panicked occupants to scramble out as the doors reopened.
A shocking balloon explosion in a Goregaon lift has left two injured, including a student. Watch the viral CCTV footage from Anmol Tower and read about the police case filed against the vendor for using hazardous hydrogen gas.#Mumbai #Mumbainews #Liftballoonexplosion pic.twitter.com/8wTt2Wj96A
— PuneNow (@itspunenow) February 5, 2026
Injuries and Victim Status
The explosion caused immediate burn injuries to those inside.
- The student who was also traveling in the lift, sustained burns to her right arm, neck, and abdomen. She was reportedly in Mumbai for an admission interview.
- The balloon vendor suffered burn injuries to his face and hands.
Both victims were rushed to nearby hospitals. While the injuries are serious, medical officials have confirmed that both individuals are currently stable and out of danger.
Police Action: Negligence Case Filed Under BNS
The Goregaon Police have taken a stern view of the incident, focusing on the systemic negligence of the balloon supplier. An FIR has been registered against Tripurari Kumar Jaiswal, the owner of the balloon shop/event management company.
The accused has been booked under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to acts endangering the life or personal safety of others. Preliminary investigations suggest that the employer failed to provide the delivery person with any safety equipment or instructions for handling hazardous materials. The balloons had been ordered by a resident of the 10th floor, Arpit Jain, for a family birthday celebration.
Hydrogen vs. Helium: A Costly Risk
While forensic teams are still analyzing the remnants, fire safety experts believe the explosion was caused by the use of hydrogen gas.
- Helium: An inert, non-flammable gas safely used for balloons but significantly more expensive.
- Hydrogen: Highly flammable and explosive when trapped in enclosed spaces like elevators.
Vendors often substitute helium with hydrogen to maximize profit margins, effectively turning party decorations into “floating bombs.”
Safety Advisory for Housing Societies
In light of the Goregaon balloon blast, Mumbai police and fire safety cells have urged housing society managements to implement strict protocols. Residents are advised to verify the gas type used in decorations and avoid transporting large clusters of balloons in enclosed elevators, where static electricity or electrical sparks from lift buttons can trigger an immediate ignition.
