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2007 September Slush
(DA) Shortcut?
(DA) Stab in the Dark
(?) Trouser Cobra kills Cambodian man
(PA) Hedge Mower
Legally Blind Man Killed While Driv
(HM) Rattlesnake in Mouth
Snakecharmer: Not!
(PA) Western Massacre
a bridge to far!
(Hmm) Hey everybody, watch this Fly !
Killacycle lives up to it's name?
(PA) Billy the Kid
How to free an elevator
(?) 16 Killed in Truck meant for Five
murderer 0 and victim 1
Backside firework prank backfires
Head in the machine
(PA) Splitting Headache
(DA) Weight Lift
Where NOT to sleep
Ignited Arsonist Shoots Self
Attempted energy theft kills father
Student tried to jump over car
Man killed building pipe bomb
Testicles & Fireworks
Jet Ski Won't Turn
Barbequed deputy
A Stolen Trick, A Darwinian Treat
home security
Booby trap gets the Boob,and an arm
How NOT to use an emergency brake
Train and Lawnchair Man
here kitty kitty
Deadly Mirror
Golf Hazard
Twice a charm
Man Impaled Trying to Climb Fence
Hood Surfing
(HM) Police Arrest Woman Allegedly Weari
extreme redneck atv riding.
(HM) Man bitten after putting rattler in
man drowns trying to ,swim to party
Fisherman Blows Up!
suffocated by sand
Out of gas?
Deadly Horseplay Claims a Woman
gunpowder redneck explosion.
Man sticks Pet Rattlesnake in mouth
Drowned Drunk
What's that smell?
Wisconsin man sues when aftershave
Woman hit by 4 cars to save dog
Personal Account:Stomach 1, Brain 0
Police Find Man's Body, Guillotine
Suicide by Guillotine
Motorcycle Stupidity - Personal Acc
Man put rattlesnake in mouth
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Darwin Awards
2007 Slush Pile

This item was recently submitted by a reader.
Should I include it in the archive?
Vote to tell me what *you* think!

What's that smell?

2007 Reader Submission
Pending Acceptance

I drive an old Harley Davidson. The fuel shutoff is sticky, so I leave the fuel in the on position when I park it as opposed to shutting off the fuel as is recommended. In July 2007, one evening, my wife and I were sitting on the couch when she said "What's that smell?" I smelled it too. Gas! The only gas sources in the house are the vehicles in the garage. I told her to get the kids and get out the back while I went to check. Sure enough, as I opened the garage door, I could hear fuel pouring onto the floor. The rubber fuel hose had burst and was draining the contents of the fuel tank onto the floor. I suddenly remembered that the water heater was also in the garage. I turned three shades of white and quickly opened all three garage doors and shut off the gas and pilot light. I narrowly avoided blowing up the house and killing myself, wife and children. The motorcycle now has a new fuel shutoff and hose and I shut it off faithfully every time I ride.

Submitted on 09/01/2007

Submitted by: jeff.wiggins@kevcon.us
Reference: Personal Account

Copyright © 2007 DarwinAwards.com

Great? 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Awful?
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>> Moderator Scores <<

James said:
Definitely Keep: Personal Account
Damn, Jeff, you had me in suspense! When you mentioned the water heater, I freaked! Nice to still have you with us, and apparently you learned from the experience (you've also used up virtually ALL of your "Get Out of Death...FREE" cards for the year)!! A harrowing yet amusing personal account which I am sure the readers will appreciate! Thanks!


Chip said:
Definitely Keep: Personal Account
Jim, thanks for the story. I too was in suspense waiting for the big BOOM!


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