Utility worker uses two liter soda bottles to put out a blazing transformer fire in Venezuela, sparking safety warnings.
A utility worker employed by the state-owned electricity company Corpoelec went viral after using bottles of soda to put out a blazing electrical transformer in a dangerous maneuver.
The incident occurred on November 2 in Valle de la Pascua, Venezuela, where the worker found himself facing a transformer engulfed in flames while elevated in the bucket of a maintenance truck, according to information published by E-SPORTS.
Rather than using a standard fire extinguisher, the employee shook two-liter bottles of the local soda brand Glup and launched them directly at the burning equipment, repeating the process three times until the fire died down.
How soda can suppress electrical fires
Carbonated drinks contain carbon dioxide, which can help suppress flames by displacing oxygen around the fire. Additionally, the liquid itself may have helped cool the burning equipment during the high-risk intervention.
Expert warnings on electrical safety hazards
Electrical engineer Jesús Olivares warned in an interview with El Pitazo that fizzy drinks are not a safe substitute for specialized fire extinguishers. The liquid could conduct electricity and cause a fatal shock, while sudden bursts of flames put the worker at severe risk of burns.
Lack of protective equipment during the incident
Olivares also questioned the apparent lack of protective equipment, noting that the employee appeared to be working without essential safety gear while handling the dangerous electrical hazard.
Unresolved aftermath of the Valle de la Pascua incident
Although the flames appeared to subside after the intervention, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Furthermore, there has been no official confirmation regarding whether anyone sustained injuries during the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Corpoelec worker use to put out the fire?
The utility worker used two-liter bottles of the Venezuelan soda brand Glup to extinguish the burning electrical transformer in Valle de la Pascua.
Why is using soda on an electrical fire dangerous?
According to electrical engineer Jesús Olivares, liquids can conduct electricity and cause a fatal shock, and carbonated drinks are not a safe substitute for specialized fire extinguishers.
Where did this viral incident take place?
The incident occurred on November 2 in Valle de la Pascua, Estado Guárico, in Venezuela, involving an employee of the state-owned electricity company Corpoelec.
Was the worker wearing safety gear?
Experts pointed out that the employee appeared to be working without essential protective equipment while elevated in the bucket of a maintenance truck.
