Is it possible for someone to spontaneously combust?

Question

If so, what causes it to happen?

Answer 1

There are several websites that discuss this phenomenon and I have even read about some cases in Vedic shastras. Here's a small commentary that I found fascinating:

"What exactly is SHC? By all accounts, it is the process by which humans allegedly burst into flames suddenly without having been in contact with any igniting source. It supposedly happens chemically, inside the body.

Interestingly, almost every case attributed to this singularity has seen the victims being consumed almost entirely, including the bones, while leaving extremities such as feet unscathed. The rest of the room usually remains intact as well, the fire not having spread out.

Centuries ago, it was believed that imbibing alcohol would amplify inflammability; in other words, getting drunk would be the cause of their demise. However, modern research has proven that it was a false belief.

Still, a number of cases have broken out throughout the last decades that have left firefighters and arson investigators boggled and several theories have been elaborated to explain the phenomenon.

Some believe that a large enough quantity of methane gas could build up within the intestines, ignited by enzyme activity (this theory has been deemed rather implausible). Another rationalization involves a subatomic particle called pyrotron , which could act as the required spark. Others look elsewhere for answers and accept that forces from a cosmic energy are indeed at work. Even balls of lightning have served as an explanation.

For a number of years, scientists have tried to find a logical solution for this mystery. First, they have realized that the reason extremities like feet sometimes aren't turned into ashes is that fire usually burns upwards; it rarely burns laterally. The flames have enough material to sustain them by consuming the upper body without having to go down to the feet.

The fat content of the human body is not challenged. Tests have proven that flesh and bones contain enough flammable material to sustain a fire. A "wick-effect" from human body fat could be at play and fire can burn hot enough to consume even bones. What is contested is that nothing in humans could actually ignite it all."

Answer 2

All doors are open presently & every tom dick & harry is free to have a go, choose your name & kick Indian cricket for free, they are responsible for this mess. Not guilty till proven so but everyone is looking for more sensation & especially some people who are here at YA only for this purpose, so can't expect any sympathy. Look at the answer SBS has given & you'll understand that a balanced person has balanced views & others with imbalanced views can count themselves accordingly & there are plenty of them around. Kicking someone already on the ground is easy but hardly anyone extends a helping hand & they stand out in millions..

Answer 3

Only after eating enough Chile!!!!You set the back of your pants on fire then one more good toot and the whole body goes up!!! Really though I watched a show on this and I guess that it can happen. But with the body being seventy percent water it is not very common!!!

Answer 4

their clothes act as a wick for the dripping fat from their bodies, thereby consuming that part of their body without touching say the lower non-clothes covered extremeties.

Usually the fire is a low burn and it happens to older, fat people who fall down, bump their heads and have their clothes set on fire.

Answer 5

Yes, Don't get constipated and then the methane gas won't get overproduced.

Answer 6

Yes, to thisday SHC remains a serious problem.

Answer 7

no..its actually the dust in the air that catches on fire

Answer 8

I asked this Q before, please look up " my Q's "