A tragic incident occurred where a 25-year-old chemistry student, Vladimir Likhonos, lost his life due to a chewing gum explosion. Likhonos, who had been handling explosive chemicals, mistakenly mixed his chewing gum with a highly volatile powder instead of citric acid, which he usually used to enhance its flavor.
The explosion resulted in severe injuries, including the loss of Likhonos’s jaw and lower face. Authorities found a significant amount of the explosive substance resembling citric acid at the scene. Despite emergency medical response, the extent of the injuries prevented any lifesaving interventions.
The explosive material was deemed too hazardous to move, prompting the involvement of a bomb squad. There were speculations that the substance could be significantly more powerful than TNT, although these claims lacked concrete evidence. Investigators believed that the explosion occurred instantaneously when the chewing gum came into contact with Likhonos’s mouth.
Conflicting reports surfaced regarding the location of the incident, with some suggesting it happened at Likhonos’s residence after potential expulsion from a local university. Irina Lisovskaya, a faculty official, indicated that Likhonos excelled in chemistry but faced challenges in other subjects, leading to his expulsion for failing to defend his diploma thesis.
The tragic event left law enforcement personnel and experts deeply shaken. The details surrounding the incident underscore the importance of handling hazardous materials with utmost care and following proper safety protocols to prevent such devastating accidents.
