Although this fellow did not release himself from the gene pool, his "intelligence" (oxymoron, eh?) should be suitable for a personal account.

I am not a mechanic, welder, etc. This happened when I was about 17 years old when I was in high school. I took no vocational studies courses and never had to take a shop class. Yet, somehow, my logic was not enough to stop my coworker from almost eradicating himself (and others) from existence.

Imagine 'Joe Schmoe', being 18, a self-taught "mechanic" with vocational training at a local school. He have welded before using the gases at the school's shop under supervision. He then notices that the day mechanics' welding gas tanks and welder are sitting in the back room, itching to be played with. What does he do? Create a large plastic garbage bag filled with whatever gases those two tanks hold (as I have no idea what was in there, but I knew it was not a good idea).

OK, stupid enough, eh? Not yet. Why don't we tie it off and find some way to light it behind the business to create a huge fireball. Not very smart... But it gets better. Why not take some paper towels from the rest room, roll them up and use it as a fuse? He did not find a problem with it. I just kept far away from this whole thing at this point, but close enough to see what was going to happen.

So, Joe Schmoe decides to light the paper towel fuse and toss it behind the business, as there was a small dirt lot behind it. If that was not dangerous enough in itself, it was VERY breezy. Joe Schmoe actually was quite scared at this point when he saw the garbage bag flying around in the wind, at ground level. A few seconds later I could hear an enormous noise and saw the largest explosion/fireball that I have ever witnessed.

Not smart... But better yet... The business was a gas station! No lie. And a customer had JUST pulled in after Mr Schmoe decided to start working on this thing and let it go.... She threatened him, and said she knew the owner, but somehow he got away with explaining the explosion from the back of the gas station was actually kids who were lighting fireworks.

I should get an award myself for not knocking this guy unconscious before he tried this stunt. Although no one was hurt at all, the potential for disaster was incredible, although at the time I never really thought this deeply about it.

Submitted on 10/08/2005

Submitted by: Dan H
Reference: Personal Account

Copyright © 2005 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Neutral: Personal Account
Nobody got killed (including possible bystanders), and reproduction wasn't affected, but I have to say I do like the story! If we ever have a general stupidity section on this website, we'll want more like this, but for now I'll just say I got a chuckle out of it...

Greg said:
Neutral: Personal Account
Astounding stupidity, but maybe teenage hijinx (sp?)? I'm going to stay neutral. He MIGHT be a touch young and a lot of the actions would be "Too Common" on their own, BUT I've never heard of one person doing half a dozen of such actions in quick succession and surviving the experience. Very lucky man!

Jack said:
Neutral: Personal Account
Amusing enough for a Personal Account.

Tracy said:
Neutral: Personal Account
It's the bit about the gas station that makes me laugh!

Jorge said:
Neutral: Personal Account

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