An early morning explosion flattened a two-story house in Wilson, New York, on Tuesday, July 24, killing a 14-year-old girl. The house, in a rural area of western New York, exploded around 6a.m. and was quickly reduced to a pile of rubble, according to the Associated Press.
The blast seriously injured the girl’s parents as well as her 16-year-old brother and 18-year-old sister. Two other children, ages 10 and 16, were not home at the time. The force of the explosion broke windows in the nearest house some 100 yards away, according to neighbors.
“I heard a blast like nothing I’ve ever heard before in my life,” the AP quoted a neighbor as saying. Even the sheriff’s control center some four miles away felt its force. Another neighbor who lives a mile from the blast said the explosion “sounded like a sonic boom. It shook my whole house.” The family detected an odor of propane the day before the explosion; however, it is unclear whether anything was done about the odor. The cause of the tragedy remains under investigation.
The Dangers Of Propane
In the United States, the vast majority of people use electricity or natural gas to heat, cool and otherwise run their households. In rural America, however, the use of propane remains common. Approximately 10 million Americans use propane as a primary heating source, typically storing it in large cylindrical containers close to their homes. The tanks are filled as needed by propane delivery trucks. Some people also use smaller cylinders for cooking or other heating needs. Additionally, propane is sometimes used for refrigeration or for a portable heating source on farms.
Propane, like many fuel sources, is highly flammable. According to the National Fire Protection Association, propane caused an average of 1,400 home fires per year from 2000 to 2004. As a result, an average of 23 people died and 193 were injured each year.
Propane gives off a very distinctive and foul smell when it is leaking. People describe the smell as like rotten eggs. Experts warn that if you smell a strange odor and propane is present, exit the premises first and then have an expert check for a leak and secure the premises.
Who Is At Fault For Injuries Or Deaths In Propane-Related Accidents?
Last week’s explosion was a true tragedy. A family is now mourning the loss of a child and dealing with serious personal injuries. Although the accident will take weeks to investigate, the early reports appear to point to a propane explosion.
Propane explosions can happen for numerous reasons and many people or entities could be responsible. Propane tanks can get old and start to rust. In other situations, they have not been properly maintained or manufactured, causing a leak. A propane leak can also occur inside the house. The lines that bring in the propane can be defective, causing a leak. As a result, the company that fills the tank, anyone who has serviced the tank, or even the manufacturer of the tank, could potentially share responsibility for an explosion.
Contact an Attorney if You or a Loved One Is Injured
If you have been injured in a propane explosion, or any other type of explosion, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. By the same token, if you have lost a loved one in a gas explosion, you may be entitled to file as the claimant in a wrongful death lawsuit. The NY / NJ personal injury attorneys at Ginarte Gonzalez & Winograd may be able to help. With six offices conveniently located in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, we have an office near you. Contact the firm today by calling 888-446-2783 for your free consultation or fill out our online contact form.