Refrigerator Blast: A Rare Explosion Fatality

Abstract

Death from the blast of refrigerators is a rare entity and the cause of such explosions was  contaminated gas in the cooling units. Methyl chloride or chloromethane also called as R-40 is a  hazardous chemical compound that is extremely flammable, which was widely used refrigerant but its  usage has been discontinued because of its toxicity and flammability. This paper reports a rare incident of  blowing up of the fridge while filling nitrogen gas in compressor; at a refrigerator-cum-air conditioner  repair center. Two youngsters who were filling the nitrogen gas were killed on the spot following  explosion. Investigation confirmed that the cause of the explosion was the contaminated gas in the  cooling units, which is very unusual and it was identified as R-40. The impact of the blast was so severe  that the fridge dismembered into smithereens, ceiling fan and window panes were shattered to pieces.