Liquid propane explosions occur often in the Midwest, especially in fall. During the warm months, a leak may develop, and the odorous additive in the gas loses its odor. When the weather turns, if a match is lit, the now odorless gas explodes in a vapor fire. If people are nearby, the result is terrible burns, as the flaming vapor overtakes them.
Propane Tank Accident Attorney for Colorado
Intense vapor fires result from igniting the fumes from the hydrocarbons in natural gas, gasoline, ethanol, jet fuel, toluene, benzene, biodiesel and acetone. The resulting flames are very hot and enormously destructive.
Vapor Explosion Lawyer for Nebraska and Indiana
LP gas contains an odorant put in by the manufacturer. In some cases, the tank can become empty and condensation inside the tank can lead to rust. The oxidation causes the odorant to fail as the gas leaves the tank. Without the odorant, the gas is undetectable, an explosion waiting to happen.
CSST Fires Caused by Lightning Strikes
Since 1988 CSST, corrugated stainless steel tubing, has been used as gas pipes by builders in new residential construction instead of the traditional black steel piping. The metal of the piping is very thin and susceptible to indirect lightning strikes. While seeking to go to ground, the electricity can blow a hole in the tubing, igniting the gas, resulting in a serious fire. This product has been found to be defective, yet is still in place in millions of newer homes.
Gas Explosion Burn Injury
In cases of vapor explosions, people are often confused about whose fault the explosion is. In Rich Webster's burn accident in 1992, the label on the acetone said SHUT OFF PILOT LIGHTS, but there were no pilot lights in the bedroom where he was working. The label did not say that the vapor would creep down a long hallway until it found a pilot light in a different room.
Call Even if You're Not Sure
We suggest this: If you have been injured in a vapor explosion or any other fire, contact an attorney and tell him or her what happened — even if you aren't sure. The worst thing is to not get help right after the accident. Once the area is cleaned up and evidence of the fire removed, it is often too late.
Your well-being is Illinois natural gas fire attorney Rich Webster's No. 1 concern. Let him assist you in your recovery. Call or e-mail him to discuss your injuries.
