A shocking incident has left one driver hospitalized after a car air freshener exploded inside a parked vehicle, causing severe eye injuries and chemical burns. The terrifying moment, captured on security footage, shows a sudden flash and burst of smoke erupting from the front of the car, sending glass and debris flying in all directions.
According to investigators, the explosion occurred when the driver, who had just returned from shopping, entered the vehicle and started the engine. Within seconds, the car’s air freshener—reportedly a pressurized aerosol type—ignited due to heat and chemical buildup, triggering a small but violent blast that shattered the windshield and injured the driver’s face.
Witnesses nearby described hearing a loud pop followed by screams for help. “It sounded like a gunshot,” said one resident who rushed to the scene. “When we got closer, the car windows were blown out, and the driver was holding their face, saying they couldn’t see.” Emergency services arrived within minutes, transporting the victim to a local hospital where doctors confirmed partial vision damage and second-degree chemical burns.
Experts say incidents like this, though rare, are not impossible—especially during hot weather. Pressurized products, such as air fresheners, deodorants, and cleaning sprays, can become dangerous if left inside a car exposed to high temperatures. “When these cans heat up, the pressure inside builds rapidly,” explained one safety specialist. “If the chemicals are flammable or volatile, even a spark or static charge can trigger an explosion.”
Authorities have issued a warning to the public, urging drivers to check their vehicles for aerosol products and remove them before parking in the sun. They also advise using clip-on or gel-based air fresheners instead of pressurized sprays, which are far safer for enclosed spaces.
In a statement, the local fire department emphasized that even a closed car can reach dangerously high internal temperatures within minutes. “A vehicle sitting in direct sunlight can exceed 60°C (140°F) very quickly,” the spokesperson said. “Under those conditions, aerosol containers become ticking time bombs.”
The incident has gone viral online, with thousands of social media users sharing the footage as a cautionary tale. Many admitted they had never realized such a simple item could pose such serious risks. “I’ve had one of those cans in my car for months,” one user wrote. “I’m throwing it out today.”
Meanwhile, the injured driver remains in recovery but is said to be in stable condition. Family members have expressed gratitude to the bystanders who acted quickly to help. “It could have been so much worse,” a relative said. “We’re just thankful they survived.”
This frightening episode serves as a sobering reminder that small everyday items—especially those containing pressurized or flammable chemicals—can turn deadly in the wrong conditions. A moment’s precaution could mean the difference between safety and disaster.
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