Spontaneous Human Combustion?

[sp1814]

I’ve never believed in it, but I can’t think of a reason for this to have happened.

Any ideas?

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/man-catches-fire-dies-london-street-haringey-john-nolan-70-age-police-appeal-metropolitan-a8111901.html

[naomi24]

https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/unexplained-phenomena/shc.htm

[mikey4444]

I don't believe in spontaneous human combustion either sp, but its not the only cause of this death.

[Baldric]

Mikey, I spotted this line.

///Mr Nolan was taken to a specialist hospital by air ambulance but died of severe burns///

What was the other cause of death that you know of?

[mikey4444]

Baldric...my mistake...what I meant to say was that SHC is not the only cause of death by burning ::::

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spontaneous_human_combustion

[Gromit]

He was found near to his home, so he may have ignited himself accidentally there, on the cooker or fire, then ran into the street for help. Dry clothes will burn readily without an accelerant.

The Phenomena of spontaneous combustion is not what is described in the story. It is usually a slow burn of body fat when the body is incapacitated or dead.

[Gromit]

http://assets.teamrock.com/image/2c1e61b2-78cd-4ec0-8e7c-bf68f18f1175?w=720

[DSJ]

There are several non-fiction books on cases of spontaneous human combustion, some of which include very convincing photographs, which I have read. I have an open mind on the subject.

[Baldric]

///Spontaneous human combustion (SHC) is a term encompassing reported cases of the combustion of a living (or very recently deceased) human body without an apparent external source of ignition///

Link @ 16:41

[atalanta]

There are a very few cases where researchers cannot explain the fire which consumes a person. However, these researchers have noted that in every one of those cases which might be spontaneous combustion, alcohol is involved. It remains to be seen if any other explanation emerges in this case.

[douglas9401]

Although there was no evidence of an accelerant at the scene, science will most likely find just that find just that after a thorough examination.

If we're going 'out there' with suggestions maybe look at a rogue weapons developer doing a field test of a death ray.

Difficulty extinguishing a fire involving something composed of 60-70% water suggests an alternative fuel source in my opinion.

[Jackdaw33]

I think Gromit's explanation is the most likely, given that he was found outside his home.

[Jackdaw33]

I do find it strange, though, that none of the passers-by were able to extinguish the flames.

[EDDIE51]

^ Unless you had a fire extinguisher it would be nearly impossible to put out clothing that was well alight but using just your hands.

[pixie374]

I remember QED doing an episode on Spontaneous Human Combustion, many many years ago. It might be worth a rewatch if it is around on YouTube or somewhere. Gromit's theory seems likely. though.

[pixie374]

http://www.weirdisland.co.uk/people/deaths/qed-a-casespontaneous-human-combustion.html

[jourdain2]

Dickens wrote about a case of
S.H.C.in, I think - open to correction -'Bleak House'. I gather there had been an inexplicable occurrence of which he was aware. I'll be very interested to see what forensics come up with.

[jno]

yes, Krook, wasn't it? But he was using it fictionally and rather metaphorically.

[Tilly2]

Could be alcohol and matches/lighter?

[Prudie]

I don't know if that's what caused his burning but I don't think anyone can dismiss spontaneous combustion as a non-existent phenomenon. It's what ABers in the 16 century might have said about flying, phones, TV, space travel etc etc etc.

[jno]

they'd have been right about the phones...