Australian model Dominique Elissa shared an alarming experience that turned her peaceful retreat into a life-threatening situation. The 30-year-old influencer recounted a near-death incident that unfolded in her backyard during a recent stay in Byron Bay.
In a video posted on TikTok, which has since garnered over 80,000 views, she detailed how her quiet vacation was interrupted by a shocking sauna explosion just before she was about to use it. She mentioned, “I wasn’t going to talk about this, but I had a crazy, traumatic, near-death experience,” emphasizing the gravity of the moment.
Elissa was preparing for a wellness retreat, looking forward to relaxing in the sauna after dinner. Just as she was about to step in, she heard a loud “boom.” “I looked up and the whole sauna exploded,” she recalled, describing the moment she realized the extent of the accident.
The blast sent debris flying up to 35 feet in the air and even caused power outages at nearby properties. Unfortunately, with her phone dead and no service, Elissa found herself in a panic, screaming for help. “It was like a horror movie,” she described. Although she managed to contact emergency services, they arrived to find the sauna completely destroyed.
Reflecting on her survival, she expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’m so grateful to be alive.” Her TikTok followers responded quickly, with many commenting on the surreal nature of her experience. One follower likened it to a horror film, while others shared shock and disbelief that such an incident could happen.
Some viewers expressed their belief that Elissa’s late mother, who passed away from cancer in March, was watching over her during the incident. Comments ranged from heartfelt reassurances to shocked reactions, with one stating, “I’ve never heard of this,” and another vowing never to use a sauna again.
In general, sauna explosions can occur due to various issues, such as malfunctioning heaters or improper installation. For instance, placing heaters too close to flammable materials or leaving towels near the heating element can create dangerous conditions. Additionally, certain saunas that use hot rocks can be at risk if cracks develop and trap water, leading to potential explosions.
