A man started his dryer to do his laundry and ignited gas from a leaky propane line causing an explosion that blew out a wall and several windows of his home.
Leaky corroded propane pipes in a BP refinery caused an explosion which killed 15 people.
Two men were injured by flying shrapnel when a propane tank exploded in an Arizona plant.
A couple complaining about a gas smell in their house were told to turn off the gas detector as it was "too sensitive". The gas explosion a few days later killed the husband and burned the wife over more than 50 percent of her body.
This is just a small sampling of the exploding propane cases that occur almost daily across the nation.
Propane is an extremely flammable gas that must be handled with
absolute care. It is a heavy gas and can accumulate in low lying areas such as basements and floors, resulting in an explosion. Even when contained in cylinders, propane gas can build up pressure when exposed to extreme heat and can rupture the tank and explode.
Propane is a colorless and odorless gas which is intentionally odorized so that leaks can be detected. The odor is similar to rotten eggs. If you smell a gas leak in your home, RV or boat, you should extinguish all cigarettes and other sources of ignition and leave the premises immediately. Do not use any electric switches, appliances, thermostats or telephones that may cause a spark. Close the gas shutoff valve on the propane tank or cylinder. Call your propane supplier or fire department from a cell phone or a neighbors phone. Have a trained professional investigate and repair the leak.
Although propane is stable when exposed to air or moisture, you must avoid using propane near sparks, open flames or even a static charge.
Never dispose of a propane cylinder by putting it into a dumpster or cutting the tank with a torch. The tank may still contain gas which could explode causing injury. Propane tanks must be disposed of at approved Hazardous Waste disposal sites.
Horrendous personal injuries and deaths can result in large recoveries and settlements for survivors. In fact, one of the largest recoveries of the year was for a propane explosion in an Iowa home which killed seven people and injured eight. The case was settled for $20 million - the largest personal injury settlement in Iowa history.
*Source: LawyersandSettlements.com
