Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In 17th, 18th, and 19th century Europe, there were potentially 200 reported cases of spontaneous human combustion, where bodies were burned away, leaving limbs behind and no apparent source of of the flames. These cases captured the popular imagination, showing up often in literature of the time.
So, is it possible for a human body to burst into flames without warning? The similarities between these cases have lead modern scientists to fascinating conclusions.
Read more: popsci.com/health/can-humans-spontaneously-combust-the-baffling-cases-explained
Hosted by Annie Colbert
Reported by Lauren Leffer
Editing and graphics by Avital Oehler
Written and produced by Matt Silverman
In 17th, 18th, and 19th century Europe, there were potentially 200 reported cases of spontaneous human combustion, where bodies were burned away, leaving limbs behind and no apparent source of of the flames. These cases captured the popular imagination, showing up often in literature of the time.
So, is it possible for a human body to burst into flames without warning? The similarities between these cases have lead modern scientists to fascinating conclusions.
Read more: popsci.com/health/can-humans-spontaneously-combust-the-baffling-cases-explained
Hosted by Annie Colbert
Reported by Lauren Leffer
Editing and graphics by Avital Oehler
Written and produced by Matt Silverman
