One Person Injured In Long Island Boat Explosion Due To Propane Tank
LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK (February 12, 2023) – A 44-year-old man was seriously injured when his sailboat exploded in the Islip Canal, according to Long Island Officials.
Investigators are saying that the incident took place around 10:00 p.m. on Thursday. A man was in or near his sailboat when there was a sudden loud explosion.
Witnesses said that it sounded like a bomb went off. Firefighters, a hazmat team and the U.S. Coastguard were called to help with the response.
The victim was taken to the hospital with critical injuries and was intubated due to concerns about smoke inhalation. Investigators believe that the explosion was due to a leaking propane tank.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Propane Tank Explosions
Propane tank explosions may seem like freak occurrences, but they are unfortunately quite common. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, “Propane gas is highly flammable. Each year, about 600 fires/explosions occur with gas grills resulting in injuries to about 30 people. The new safety standard for propane gas tanks requires that an “over-fill prevention device” be installed in new gas tanks.” There are a number of steps that can be taken to prevent propane tank explosions.
- When not in use propane tank valves should be closed.
- Propane tank connections and hoses should be routinely checked.
- Propane tanks should not be stored near open flames.
Depending on the facts of any case, the company that manufactured a propane tank or its component parts could be liable for an accident. Companies that design propane tanks have a responsibility to make those products reasonably safe. When a company fails to make their products reasonably safe they could be held accountable through a product liability claim. For example, a company could be held liable for a fire cause by their product when there is a flaw with the way that product is designed. Victims of propane tank explosions tend to suffer very serious injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Burn injuries
Any person that is injured in a propane tank explosion may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expenses that come with a serious injury. Sadly, though, propane tank companies will often fight extremely hard to deny liability for any incident. This is why it is so important that all evidence is properly preserved and collected after any propane tank explosion.
Investigating A Long Island Boat Explosion
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to the man injured in this propane tank explosion. It is our sincere hope that he is able to make a full recovery. Steps should be taken to prevent other incidents like this.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a propane tank explosion? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support after an incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 800-529-9997.
