Acetylene Gas Tank Exploded Seriously Injuring Two Workers At Building on Madison Avenue
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK (July 19, 2023) – Two workers were seriously injured in a Manhattan gas tank explosion at a building on Madison Avenue.
New York City police officials are saying that the accident took place around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday. Two workers opened a cage where gas tanks and cutting torches were being kept.
Shortly after the cage was opened, there was a buildup of gases which lead to the explosion of an acetylene gas tank. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the workers.
They were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. A full investigation into the explosion remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Manhattan Gas Explosion Accidents
Gas explosions may seem like a freak occurrence, but they are much more common than many people think. According to a report by the National Fire Protection Association, an average of 4,200 building fires are caused by natural gas explosions. Around 42 people are killed every year in these incidents. There are a number of steps that should be taken in order to prevent gas explosions.
- Combustible materials should be properly stored.
- There should not be open flames near potentially flammable materials.
- Workers should be properly trained to handle flammable materials.
Depending on the facts of any case, a company could be liable for a gas explosion under New York Labor Law 241(6). This statute creates a non-delegable duty for owners and general contractors who employ workers in construction, demolition, and excavation. Owners and general contractors must “provide reasonable and adequate protection and safety to the persons employed therein or lawfully frequenting such places.” To demonstrate liability, it must be shown that the violation of an industrial code was the proximate cause of an injury. Victims of gas explosions tend to suffer very serious injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Organ damage
- Burn injuries
- Ruptured eardrums
The vast majority of gas explosion accidents are preventable. They tend to involve some amount of human error. These errors can exist for both the source of a gas leak as well as the ignition that started the blast. Any person that is injured in a gas explosion accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. It is important that all evidence is properly preserved after any accident.
Investigating Manhattan Gas Explosion Accidents
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to the workers injured in this gas tank explosion accident in Manhattan. It is our sincere hope that they will be able to make a full recovery. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a gas stank explosion accident? Our team of workplace safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. 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 accident we may be able to help you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
