rlwm211

The battery was off gassing Hydrogen and all that is needed was a spark, a bit of static, to ignite. I am glad you are well. I would rinse the entire underhood area very thoroughly to remove all traces of acid as it will work on the paint and metal with very negative results.

That the battery was venting hydrogen is an indication that it was dying or dead to begin with. Probably a specific gravity check would have indicated this problem. Then again, your alternator may be over charging and I would take the time to check the voltage at both batteries when running to eliminate that possibility.

Another situation where a battery is likely to explode is in the winter and a battery is completely dead. Sometimes the electrolyte will freeze and when you jump the battery instead of melting it sublimates and produces hydrogen gas and Boom, the top blows off. This is a common danger that is present when you jump a vehicle and also is why the standard procedure to jump a dead battery is to hook up the dead battery first and then hook up the charging source, or turn it on. Avoid being near a battery when you are charging it as this is when the greatest danger exists.


Sermon over...
RL

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