WA: Balloons filled with welding gas explode in pickup on I-405

KING TV Seattle ^ | 7/4/2010

[Rodamala]

I had the benefit of a cylinder of helium on the property... one balloon got inflated with helium gas for lift, another inflated with a mixture of oxygen and acetylene. Tied the 2 balloons together, then tied a long cotton string to the acetlyene/oxygen filled one. Coated the cotton string with grease and then a little diesel fuel.

"Hold my beer and watch this", was mentioned at the time of lighting the fuse/liftoff.

By timing the flash to the arrival of the sound, and estimating the angle of elevation... I've had some go to 1500 feet and 2.5 miles (horizontal distance) away before blowing. The explosion was LOUD at 2.5 miles away... I can only imagine what it was like directly below the explosion.

If I did this today, I'd imagine I'd be waterboarded.

[Vicki]

Sounds like a Darwin award candidate.

[dixiechick2000]

This proves the point that dumb people are everywhere...and not just in the South!

But...boy howdy...I could see this going down in any state in the South! lol

[Slings and Arrows]

Stupidity knows no borders.

[pingman]

And rightfully so! /sarc

[Xenalyte]

I seem to recall filling glass bottles with calcium carbide rocks, catching the fumes (acetylene?) in balloons, putting the balloons in a big paper bag, taking the bag to Mom’s school dumpster and lighting it ... I mean, um, wow, what a dream I had!

[Bacon Man]

Good imaginary times.

[RikaStrom]

LOL

[Eaker]

Did you ever get your hearing back?

;<)