Virginia
Related: About this forumDriver lights cigarette and propane tank explodes, shaking homes in Virginia NBC4 Washington
Aussie105
(7,998 posts)Does propane not have an additive that smells and allow easy detection of leaks?
blue-wave
(5,311 posts)From an AI search:
Propane is naturally odorless, but a chemical called ethyl mercaptan is added to give it a distinctive smell, often described as similar to rotten eggs, for safety reasons.
IronLionZion
(51,367 posts)Maybe she had scent issues and didn't notice the smell.
That can happen with some illnesses like COVID.
mtngirl47
(1,246 posts)Probably not covid.
Norrrm
(5,200 posts)hlthe2b
(114,107 posts)I wish her well, but damn, smokers... Carrying flammable or explosive materials (even that which you deem safe) is not the time or place to light up. Heavens!
Aussie105
(7,998 posts)Smells like overcooked cabbage to me.
Anyhow, I hope the driver survived - and gives up smoking.
I guess - third degree burns, blown eardrums, major hair loss at a minimum?
(Missed any reference to injuries.)
In it's defence, a propane + air explosion is quite gentle, unlike dynamite.
Relatively slow fire front wave progression, brief exposure to high flame front temperature.
Damage is done by the pressure build up.
Yes, I experimented in my youth.
Balloon with propane/air mix, string attached, light the string, let the balloon go.
And watch the fireball.
Not recommended, but yeah, I was a teenager . . .
OldBaldy1701E
(11,247 posts)And watch the fireball.
We used these little rubber bags that an ingredient came in. They were stretchy and could be inflated like a balloon. We would use either propane or gunpowder and do the same thing.
We added the very safe feature of having to toss them. The ones we made were like old fashioned pirate grenades. Minus the shrapnel.
Like you said... teenager.
twodogsbarking
(18,921 posts)The New London School explosion occurred on March 18, 1937, when a natural gas leak caused an explosion that destroyed the London School in New London, Texas, United States.[1] The disaster killed 295 students and teachers.