Family members inside a Cleburne [TX] house that exploded in May -- resulting in the death of one woman -- had been told not to light any more cigarettes at least 45 minutes before the explosion occurred, according to a recently released report.

David Pawlick, a resident at 632 Woodard Ave., called the Cleburne Fire Department’s non-emergency number between 3:30 and 4 p.m. on May 29, telling fire inspector Scott Oesch that “everytime my wife lights a cigarette, a blue flame shoots up to the ceiling,” according to a memo written by Oesch on May 31.

Oesch said he would come check out the situation, and told Pawlick not to light anymore matches.

But according to the report, Pawlick’s wife, Hazel, wanted to smoke “a quick cigarette” before the inspector arrived. Pawlick lit a match. There was a blue flash, then the match went out. He lit another match, and there was an explosion of blue flames throughout the house.

Between 15 and 20 seconds later, after the fire penetrated the ceiling into the attic, there was a second, more violent explosion, ripping a huge hole in the roof and blowing the front door off its hinges.

Hazel Pawlick, 64, died on June 2 from injuries sustained in the explosion. Four other family members were injured. ****

Reproduction: Any further reproduction is not possible.

Excellence: First ignored the blue flame licking the ceiling and second ignored the warning by the fire department.

Self Selection: It was her cigarettes that brought the problem to attention, prompted the 911 call, and then she still insisted on lighting again! No other family members perished but unfortunately several were injured.

Maturity: I think at 64 you should pretty much be a legal adult.

Veracity: This is a story from may that was on all local news channels when it happened but the 911 call has just been released 7/10/2007. http://cbs11tv.com/topstories/local_story_160201115.html http://www.star-telegram.com/news/story/164584.html

Submitted on 07/10/2007

Submitted by: Dan
Reference: http://www.star-telegram.com/news/story/164584.html , 07/10/2007

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James said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
There were bystanders hurt, but I am HOPING their injuries were superficial enough for Darwin to disregard the rule. Otherwise, this is a KEEPER! There were OBVIOUS signs of imminent danger, the woman was duly forewarned, and she could have simply gone outside to have a smoke! Talk about DUMB! Thanks, Dan!

Bruce said:
Definitely Toss: Bystanders Hurt
The article indicates that some of the people not involved suffered "severe burns" and are in critical condition. That's enough for me to consider them as hurt bystanders and toss this. If it wasn't for them then this would have made a perfect DA nominee. Thanks for sending it in, Dan!

Chip said:
Neutral: For Darwin's Eyes
I am neutral on this because of the bystanders but it is unusual enough and funny enough to let Darwin take a look at it. We do appreciate your submissions Dan. I don't know how the other mods feel but your technique of enumerating the Darwin points are a bit off-putting for me. I'd much prefer to see the space used for a humorous write-up. But thanks for sending the story.

Jorge said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
I think the bystanders rule can be waived. If I had been a bystander in that situation I would have run out of the house at the first sighting of a blue flame streaking towards the ceiling! So in my opinion DAs and honorable mentions for all.

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