Four hurt in China after LED light balloons explode
Balloons thought to have been filled with cheaper but highly flammable hydrogen rather than helium gas
Four people were injured in eastern China after balloons with LED lights wrapped round them exploded, according to a newspaper report.
The novelty balloons have become increasingly popular in shops and on online trading platforms on the mainland.
The balloons involved in the accident may have been filled with highly flammable hydrogen rather than the safe but more expensive gas helium, which is normally used, according to the report.
Two men and two women bought six gas balloons from a street hawker after they had dinner on Monday night in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, the Modern Express reported.
The four got in a taxi, but ash from a cigarette burst one balloon and the others then exploded one after the other.
The four were taken to hospital with burns.
The most badly injured was a man with second-degree burns to his hands and face.