What are the most common causes of Explosion Accidents in Texas?
Home explosions are not uncommon. A significant part Texas explosion attorneys’ work is related to home explosions. Take this recent example where a Texas home exploded, caving in on an entire family.
Navarro County Explosion – Five Injured after House Collapses
At around 11.00pm on April 21, 2017, residents of Navarro County, Texas were awoken by a loud blast. The explosion that took place on the 500 block of State Highway 31 in Dawson, just 70 miles south of Dallas had brought down a house and shattered windows across the street.
When authorities arrived at the scene, they found a home completely destroyed. The walls had caved in, the roof was flat on the ground and a fire was gaining momentum. Five people were buried under the rubble.
With help from the town’s firefighters, police and volunteers, the fire was put out and the five victims were all rescued. Three of them were seriously injured in the explosion while the other two sustained minor injuries.
What are the Common Causes of House Explosions?
1. Gas Leaks
Natural gas and propane are highly combustible. Gas seeping out of broken pipes or a gas stove mixes with air easily. It can fill an entire home quickly. Once the gas attains a concentration of 5-15 percent, a spark from a match, candle or electronic switch near the leak can cause an explosion. The flame runs through the gas very quickly causing it to expand up to six times, pushing the entire structure of the home outwards.
Such explosions are preventable because gas leaks can easily be smelled. If you’re not familiar with the smell, have a gas leak detector installed in your home.
If you smell a leak, evacuate the home immediately. Do not switch on any electrical equipment as doing so can set off a tiny spark that fast forwards into an explosion. Don’t even use your phone until you are outside.
2. Water Heaters
An over-pressured water heater is a safety hazard. In the event it explodes, it can cause generate a huge amount of force, enough to tear a home apart.
Have your water heater serviced every year by professionals. Ensure your heater has a relief valve to protect it against too much pressure or too much heat. This valve should be replaced every three years.
3. Gas Grills
Thousands of gas grill explosions are reported in the country every year. Many of them cause severe injuries, even death.
For your own safety, never use a faulty gas grill. Conduct routine maintenance checks on your grill. If there are damaged or faulty parts, replace them before using the grill. If the grill’s tank is damaged in any way, do not use the grill. Finally, never store propane tanks next to high heat sources as the gas expands rapidly.
4. Glass Containers
Many carbonated drinks are stored in glass containers. Children often shake these containers. Sometimes the containers explode, causing serious injuries to the children. Always keep children away from glass containers.
Another instance where glass containers cause explosions is when non-heat resistant glass receptacles are placed near a stove or in the microwave. Always ensure the items you put inside a microwave are heat resistant.
5. Combustible Cans
Household items such as aerosols, insect repellants, and sprays as well as certain combustible liquids and powders are hazardous. Always keep them away from direct heat sources. Throw away used or damaged spray cans.
Injured in an explosion? Contact our office at 361.LAWYERS (361-529-9377) today for a free initial case consultation.
