A frightening accident inside a residential building in Mumbai’s Goregaon area has left residents shaken after gas-filled balloons exploded inside a lift, injuring two people and narrowly sparing three others. CCTV footage from the elevator has since surfaced, capturing the terrifying seconds when flames erupted in the confined space and passengers scrambled to escape.
The late-night incident has raised fresh concerns about safety in enclosed spaces and the dangers of carrying flammable materials inside elevators.
Mumbai Goregaon Lift Explosion: What Happened
According to police officials, the incident took place on Monday night inside a building in Goregaon (West). A young student, later identified as 21-year-old Himani Tapriya, had entered the lift along with a delivery worker carrying balloons meant for a birthday celebration. Another man also stepped into the elevator moments later.
What appeared to be an ordinary ride suddenly turned catastrophic. Within seconds of the lift doors closing, the balloons believed to be filled with a flammable gas burst, triggering a flash explosion inside the cramped metal cabin.
The blast caused flames to flare up rapidly, filling the elevator with smoke and heat. CCTV footage shows the occupants panicking as they tried to shield themselves and force their way out.
CCTV Footage Captures Terrifying Seconds
The elevator’s security camera recorded the entire episode, offering a chilling glimpse into how quickly the situation escalated.
In the footage, the delivery worker is seen holding a plastic bag stuffed with balloons while standing close to the other passengers. Moments later, a sudden flash lights up the cabin, followed by sparks and flames. The three occupants instinctively recoil, desperately attempting to escape as the lift doors open.
Despite the chaos, all three individuals managed to get out of the elevator. However, the injuries sustained during those few seconds were serious enough to require immediate medical attention.
Injuries Reported After Goregaon Elevator Blast
Police confirmed that Himani Tapriya suffered burn injuries to her arm, neck, and stomach. The delivery worker, identified as 32-year-old Raju Kumar Mahato, was also hurt in the explosion and sustained burns while fleeing the lift.
Both were rushed for treatment soon after the incident. Their current condition has not been described as life-threatening, but officials say the injuries could have been far worse had the flames spread for even a few more seconds.
The third occupant escaped without major harm, though the psychological shock of the incident was evident in the footage.
Victim Was Visiting Family in Mumbai
Investigators revealed that Tapriya is a native of Surat and had been visiting her aunt in Mumbai when the accident occurred. What was meant to be a routine evening turned into a traumatic experience, leaving her hospitalized and shaken.
Residents of the building expressed disbelief over the incident, noting that lifts are used daily by families, elderly people, and children. Many said the CCTV clip circulating online made them realize just how vulnerable people can be inside confined spaces when flammable materials are involved.
Police Investigation into Gas-Filled Balloons
Authorities have launched an inquiry to determine exactly what type of gas was used to inflate the balloons and whether safety norms were violated. In recent years, helium is commonly used for party balloons because it is non-flammable, but cheaper and illegal alternatives can sometimes pose serious risks.
Investigators are questioning the delivery worker and tracing the source of the balloons to find out where they were filled and whether proper precautions were followed.
Officials are also examining whether the plastic bag holding the balloons, static electricity, or a spark from inside the elevator may have triggered the blast.
Fire Safety in Lifts: Experts Sound Alarm
Safety experts say the incident is a stark reminder of how dangerous flammable substances can be in enclosed spaces like elevators.
“Even a small ignition source inside a lift such as an electrical spark or friction can become deadly when combustible gas is present,” a fire safety consultant explained. “Gas-filled balloons can become dangerous if not handled properly, but most people don’t associate party decorations with danger.”
Experts advise building residents and delivery personnel to avoid carrying potentially flammable items in elevators and to ensure that party supplies come from authorized vendors who use safe materials.
Growing Concerns Over Elevator Safety in Residential Buildings
The Goregaon lift explosion has sparked renewed discussion about safety measures in apartment complexes across Mumbai. Residents are urging housing societies to issue guidelines for deliveries, especially those involving chemicals, cylinders, or pressurized items.
Some have also called for clearer signage inside elevators warning against transporting hazardous materials and for regular electrical inspections to minimize the risk of sparks.
With urban high-rises becoming more crowded and deliveries increasing due to online shopping and event services, incidents like this highlight the importance of awareness and preventive steps.
A Narrow Escape That Could Have Been Far Worse
While all three occupants survived, the incident serves as a chilling example of how quickly everyday situations can turn dangerous. The CCTV footage now widely shared shows that just a few seconds separated the passengers from potentially fatal consequences.
As police continue their investigation into the Goregaon elevator blast, authorities are urging citizens to remain cautious and report unsafe practices involving flammable items.
For Tapriya and Mahato, the road to recovery may take time, but their survival has already prompted a citywide conversation about party balloon safety, elevator fire risks, and the hidden dangers lurking in ordinary moments.
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