A Rotorua teenager's new car exploded when he lit a cigarette after polishing his dashboard with an aerosol body spray.

The unnamed youngster suffered burns and spent five days in Rotorua Hospital and his uninsured car was written off in the blast.

The Rotorua Post said he had been sprucing up his car to show friends.

The explosion blew out the car's doors and shattered the windows with the windscreen found metres away along the driveway of his home.

The incident prompted a warning from the Fire Service and a university chemistry expert who said that flammable products shouldn't be used in confined spaces.

The newspaper said the young man discovered that Lynx body spray made the dashboard shine when rubbed in with a towel. He then lit a cigarette and the fumes ignited.

Submitted on 02/17/2007

Submitted by: Shades
Reference: http://xtramsn.co.nz/news

Copyright © 2007 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Neutral: For Darwin's Eyes
Not quite enough for an HM, IMO, but stupid enough for Darwin to have a look at! I wonder what happens when you spray it on your BODY and light a cigarette?! Thanks, Shades!

Graham said:
Definitely Toss: Not Amusing
This story is about a simple if tragic accident, rather than an act of gross stupidity, which is what the Darwin Awards are about. But thanks anyway for sending it in.

Chip said:
Neutral: Honorable Mention
Wow! That is SOME body spray! Another case of someone using a product in ways never intended. Now the manufacturer will have to label it "not for use as a car cleaner!". Amusing in a minor sort of way. Thanks for the story, Shades

Tracy said:
Definitely Keep: Honorable Mention
It amazes me that people don't know that aerosols can ignite! I like this story - I like the fact that he was so proud of his car, he was polishing the dashboard... and it must have stank inside the car once he'd done it! I vote to keep it

Jack said:
Neutral: Honorable Mention