Zimbabwe News Update
herald
7 min read
B-Metro ReporterA simple trip to fill a gas cylinder turned into a bizarre accident last Wednesday when a Bulawayo man suffered burns from gas, which did not burn, leaving neighbours and experts scratching their heads.The victim who declined to be identified, recovering at home, explained how the unusual incident happened.“I went to a certain house to fill my gas cylinder last week. When I was there, the gas cylinder was leaking. I then assisted the gas attendant with closing the tank. Unfortunately, my hand was burnt, but there was no fire. The gas was not ignited. I went to the hospital and was there for a few days.
Now I’m recovering at home,” he said.Bulawayo Fire Chief Officer Mhlanganiso Moyo, confirmed the rarity of the case.“This is one of the first incidents of this kind we have recorded in Bulawayo in 2025. What makes it unusual is that burns normally happen when gas catches fire. In this case, the fuel did not ignite. What likely occurred was a chemical reaction when the man tried to close the leaking cylinder. Additionally, there is a possibility that he had an allergic reaction to the fuel, which worsened the injury. The burns are unusual because gas usually requires ignition to cause such damage,” Moyo explained.Experts say chemical burns from unignited fuel are rare but possible, especially if the skin comes into direct contact with leaking gasoline or additives in the fuel.
Most burn cases involve flames or explosions, making this Nkulumane incident an anomaly.Moyo advised residents to stick to designated refilling points like Enviro Gas, Value Gas and Zuva, where safety protocols are strictly followed. “These companies have trained staff and proper equipment to prevent accidents. If a mishap occurs, they assist immediately, reducing the risk of injuries,” he said.Neighbours said they had never seen anything like it and were alarmed by how a liquid could cause burns without sparking a flame. “We always think fire is needed for burns. This is very strange and scary,” said one local resident.The incident is a stark warning for the community. Even without fire, gas is unpredictable and dangerous.
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