Is it true that a human being can burn spontaneously?

Answer 1

An investigation into this has shown that in all recorded instances, this has been caused by the wick effect. Basically -
The person is dead.
Their clothing catches fire - e.g. a match, cigarette etc.
The clothes start to burn
The fat under the skin feeds the flames
The body does not burst into flame - rather the burning is localised and intense but can spread. i.e. the victims might be found with a completely charred leg, but otherwise completely unburnt

Experiments (with pigs!!) have shown that very high temperatures can result. enough to burn bone. The effects are very similar to those seen on human bodies that so called "spontaneously combust".

This is one case where scientific analysis and experiment has de-bunked a popular urban myth

Answer 2

I don't think it's ever been proven, but it's called spontaneous combustion. Other things can definitely do it, but I don't really know about people. There was a CSI once where they thought a woman had spontaneously combusted but they ended up proving it was something else.

Answer 3

There are several recorded instances of human beings spontaneously combusting though no one knows what causes it.

Answer 4

Probably not. There has never been a single scientifically verifiable case. There are plenty of anecdotal cases sited( like Bigfoot, Ghosts, UFO's, and the image of the Virgin Mary in a grilled cheese sandwich); but at no point has it been proven to occur.

Answer 5

Yup, it's called spontaneous combustion.

Answer 6

yes and it has happened many times. no clothing, and none of the surroundings were touched, but the body was charred.

Answer 7

ya its biological cells so they ob. burn !

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