The Blaster was a 1998 invention by South African inventor Charl Fourie to provide a deterrent to carjackings. With a rising crime rate, carjackings became a serious concern in South Africa. The Blaster was a car modification that functioned as a liquified petroleum gas flamethrower; when a carjacking occurred, the driver could step on an additional pedal next to accelerator and flames would erupt from outer sides of both front doors, "neutralizing" the assailant.