February 10, 2011

Massive Gas Explosion Accident in Allentown Kills Three, Two Missing

MSNBC reports a natural gas explosion accident occurred around 10:45 p.m. on Wednesday, February 9, in Allentown, PA. At least three people were killed in the blast, including a 4-month-old child, and two others are missing.

According to the Allentown fire department, a two-story row house exploded, causing the house and another to be leveled. UGI Corp. stated early Thursday that it is likely one of its natural-gas pipelines exploded, which prompted the accident and the blaze. The explosion was so powerful it was felt in Bethlehem, PA, about nine miles away from Allentown.

Two row homes were set on fire, as were six others. Witnesses to the accident state the flames were hundreds of feet in the air, and it took firefighters several hours to put the fire out. Firefighters were delayed by the complexity of digging through the snow and ice to access the ruptured gas line underground, which was fueling the flames. Between 500 and 600 residents of the area were evacuated.

Authorities will investigate the Pennsylvania gas explosion accident to determine what caused the natural-gas pipelines to explode. Often, explosion accidents such as this one are discovered to have been caused by gas mains that were not properly installed or maintained. There are many rules and regulations regarding the maintenance of gas lines. Gas companies should check gas pipelines regularly for any indications of problems, such as corrosion, so prompt repair can be conducted. If these safety precautions are disregarded, an explosion accident can occur, which can be catastrophic or even fatal. When a gas company disregards the safety of their workers and area residents by failing to follow the proper rules, they can be held legally responsible for any injuries or fatalities that result from a gas explosion accident.

Gas explosion accident victims typically suffer serious burn injuries, which can be very painful and require ongoing medical treatment, such as skin graft surgery. A Pennsylvania gas explosion burn injury lawyer can help injured victims understand their legal options as well as help them pursue compensation for their injuries from negligent parties. To schedule a free consultation with attorney from Anapol Schwartz, call 866-735-2792 today.

January 19, 2011

One Dead, Five Injured in Philadelphia Gas Explosion Accident

According to MSNBC, a gas main exploded in the Tacony neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA on Tuesday evening, January 18, killing one person and injuring five others.

The article states that a gas and water main break was reported around 7:19 p.m., and the explosion occurred a little over an hour later, around 8:30 p.m. Witnesses at the scene of the Pennsylvania explosion accident said the explosion caused a fireball 50 feet high and shook the houses in the neighborhood. At least two homes caught fire, as well as a Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) truck. Nearby businesses and homes were evacuated due to the gas explosion accident. The fire was under control shortly before 11 p.m.

As a result of the explosion accident, one PGW worker was killed and four other PGW employees were injured, as well as a firefighter. The injured victims were taken to Torresdale Hospital, and a spokesperson for the hospital states that four victims are in critical condition. Additionally, one victim has been relocated to a burn center.

Authorities are investigating the accident, and the exact cause of the blast is unknown at this time. Other explosion accidents have been traced to improperly installed or maintained gas mains. There are federal rules and regulations regarding the upkeep of gas lines, which should be checked regularly by a gas company for any signs of corrosion or other problems so repair can be prompt. When these safety measures are overlooked, a catastrophic, fatal explosion accident can ensue. If a company or employer disregards the security of their workers as well as persons residing or conducting business near gas mains by failing to adhere to regulations, they can be held liable for any deaths or injuries that result from an explosion accident.

Often serious fires stem from a gas explosion accident, which can cause those nearby to sustain severe burn injuries. Burn injuries can be extremely painful, and victims may require extensive medical treatment, such as skin grafts or other surgeries. A Philadelphia gas explosion burn injury attorney can help victims injured in an explosion accident understand what legal options are available when pursuing compensation for their injuries and other related expenses. Call 1-866-735-2792 to schedule a free consultation with a lawyer from the reputed law firm of Anapol Schwartz today.