Darwin

Published on February 14th, 2013 | by Chris

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Cigarette + Oxygen Tank = Fiery Death

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There’s no question that every one of us is well-aware of the risks of an open flame in the vicinity of an oxygen tank, but that didn’t stop one carload of senior citizens from lighting up earlier this week, resulting in a fiery death for some of the vehicle’s passengers.

Thomas Barnum II was driving three elderly people on various errands, including married couple Ronnie Joe and Deborah Pratt, both 62, with two medical-grade oxygen tanks along for the ride. Unfortunately for everyone in the car, one of the Pratt’s decided to light a cigarette, sparking an explosion that would kill them both. Barnum and the third passenger, Tina Brooks, were able to escape, but not with injury; while Barnum suffered only minor bruises, Brooks remains in intensive care due to burns and impact injuries sustained during the high-powered explosion.

Let this be a lesson to you, however unnecessary: compressed gases of any kind, oxygen in particular, do not mix well with an open flame. However strong your nicotine craving, you may want to put that cigarette off if an oxygen tank is nearby – especially if it’s attached to an old person.

Cigarette + Oxygen Tank = Fiery Death, 7.2 out of 10 based on 22 ratings

Tags: cigarettes, compressed oxygen, oxygen tank, smoking