Will the use of hydrogen balloons face a ban in Karnataka?

Rithu Dravid | NT

Bengaluru: Gaseous balloons have long been part of people’s fascination with the balloon world, but the gas also brings with it an equal amount of danger.

That became more than evident at a birthday party held in the city the other day when the celebration turned into a tragedy resulting in the death of a 10-year-old.

It all happened at the birthday party of Vijay Aditya’s daughter last week. Little did the family know what was in store for them. The party was held around 9:30 pm at Vijay’s house in Belathur near KR Puram in the city.

All of a sudden, the gas- filled balloons exploded causing a flare-up that injured children and adults. The victims Vijay Aditya Kumar, 44, Dhyan Chandra, 7, Sanjay, 10, Sohila, 3, and Ishan, 2 were immediately rushed to Victoria hospital.

According to Dr Ramesh HOD, Department of Plastic Surgery,Victoria Hospital, “Sanjay died at the hospital yesterday due to severe burns while another victim is critical. Vijay Kumar is recovering with facial and hand burns. Such tragic incidents although not common, cause fatalities. Avoiding the use of such dangerous props during occasions is highly advised”.

Blasts from the past

In the past, similar cases due to hydrogen balloon blasts causing injury have generated shockwaves that can result in injuries not only to participants but also to bystanders.

According to Inspector Shivaswamy, Law and Order, High Grounds Police Station the dangerous gas balloon cylinders are filled by unauthorised vendors.

“The Illegal supply of helium and hydrogen gases from plants near Peenya and Nelmanagala industrial area has caught the eye of balloon sellers. The cost of the cylinders is approximately Rs 5000 and they are usually filled unscientifically and excessively above permissible limits. This is unsafe to use in public events, functions, events and festival celebrations”.

According to scientists, hydrogen balloons are highly flammable and tend to explode when in contact with flame or heat. When they explode, they releases a large amount of energy, generating a shock wave that can result in injuries like burns, lacerations, eye injuries, hearing damage and other fatalities.

In another incident in East Bengaluru a couple of years ago, a birthday celebration turned tragic after helium balloons exploded injuring two children in an apartment complex. In 2018, in the city, a hydrogen-filled balloon exploded at an event organized by a private school.

The incident occurred during a science exhibition, injuring a few students. In 2019, a bunch of gasfilled balloons exploded during an event in Suttur, 150 km from Bengaluru.

The incident was attributed to a flame torch brought by sportsmen from Mysuru to the wrestling arena that came in contact with the balloons which burst. Many sustained minor and severe injuries.

Public view

The public opines that the police collaborate with fire departments and other relevant authorities to conduct inspections, impose fines, and educate the public about the dangers associated with hydrogenfilled balloons.

They want the authorities to ban the sale of hydrogen-filled balloons at parks, museums, exhibitions, events and festivals.

Doctors’ advice

A doctor treating burn victims says incidents in the past involving bige helium and hydrogen balloons used for ads and business promotions usually on top buildings tend to be dangerous.

Such incidents have caused casualties. Trauma and emergency doctors view hydrogen balloon blasts as a potential safety hazard.

They say strict measures should be adopted by the authorities to stop the use of hydrogen gas in balloons, particularly in public spaces or at events.