VietNamNet Bridge – Colourful balloons floating on long threads are a delight of small children. But smiles can quickly turn to tears if the gas-filled bubbles get too close to a source of heat.

People buy balloons inflated from a container of gas on Ngo Duc Ke Street in HCM City. The balloons could cause explosions if they get too close to a source of heat. (Photo: VNS)

There was a loud explosion - and loud cries - as the balloons blew up. Cuong, his two friends - and the balloon seller - were all burnt.

A year ago, Nguyen Thanh Nguyen from Ba Dinh District also used a lighter to cut the thread holding a large bunch of balloons together. They exploded like a bomb, shattering many of the surrounding windows.

Nguyen received serious burns and had to be taken to hospital.

"Whenever I think about the accident, I shiver with fear," she said.

Nguyen still has scars on her face and hands, and they crack and open if she becomes too active.

Le Phi Hung, an official from the fire brigade in Ha Noi, said balloons were often inflated with acetylene or hydrogen gas, which was highly volatile.

He said explosions occurring under great pressure could lead to serious injuries.

"People should not keep balloons in enclosed rooms, because if they touch any heat source, such as a light bulb, they will explode," said Hung.

Balloons placed in the sun for too long can also explode, he added.

Hung warned that the containers of gas used to inflate the balloons could easily explode, especially if they were of a low standard.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News