Why Do Private Cars Carrying Gas Cylinders Explode?
2 Answers
Gas cylinders must not be transported in a horizontal or inverted position, nor should they be placed in enclosed spaces such as car trunks. When a gas cylinder is placed horizontally or inverted, even a slight leak can cause the liquefied petroleum gas inside the cylinder to rapidly expand, leading to an explosion. Precautions for escaping a liquefied gas cylinder explosion: Do not turn on lights immediately: If you detect a strong gas odor, first locate the source of the smell, open windows and doors to dilute the toxic gas. Be cautious not to turn on lights or use open flames, and call emergency services immediately. While calling for help, try to stay as far away as possible from the area with the strongest odor, as sparks from mobile phones or landlines could trigger an explosion. Shut off the valve immediately: In case of a gas explosion caused by a leak from a gas cylinder or natural gas pipeline, immediately shut off the valve before attempting to extinguish the fire. If the cylinder or pipeline explodes, evacuate the area immediately.
I often pay attention to safety details while driving, and I frequently see people using private cars to transport gas cylinders for refilling. This is extremely prone to explosions because the liquefied gas inside the cylinder can quickly disperse into a cloud if it leaks in the sealed compartment. Once it encounters static sparks, cigarette lighters, or hot exhaust pipes, it can ignite and explode. Valve loosening is more common on bumpy roads, and high summer temperatures can increase cylinder pressure, raising the risk of leakage. There are numerous news reports about such accidents, ranging from vehicle destruction to life-threatening injuries. People often think it's convenient, but the hidden dangers are too great. The proper way is to use explosion-proof trucks equipped with cushioning devices; otherwise, it's like gambling with lives. Remember, a small mistake can lead to disaster, and safe driving means eliminating such dangerous behaviors.