[Al Skierkiewicz]

[quote=evanperryg;1287356...We figured it was a fluke and threw it on the charger. about 5 minutes later, I go and check this battery to see if it is ok. The thing is hot(as in burn-your-hands hot) and still at 8v. Long story short, nothing is a fluke with a battery.[/quote]
This is not unusual, the battery shorted two cells internally and the heat produced was coming from the energy conversion in those two cells. The battery was likely producing steam and vapor as well. Often a close examination of the battery case would reveal evidence a drop or severe shock.