What Causes Gas Explosions?

We have seen an increasingly amount of gas explosions in the news, whether it be at a private residence or place of business. Often times the structure is left in ruins. Too often human lives are lost. Some explosions affect large surrounding areas – not just the home where the explosion originated. Recently, a house explosion in Texas leveled a house, killing an occupant, and shook homes miles away. The cause of the explosion is suspected to be the result of a gas leak that somehow ignited.

What causes gas explosions?

Most people use natural gas or propane every day in our homes or workplace. Natural Gas heats our water and our spaces, and provides the fuel for our cooking appliances. Regardless of how often we use gas, it’s important to remember that it is highly combustible and can be very dangerous.

A gas explosion occurs when there is a gas leak in the presence of a spark or flame. Gases such as natural gas, methane, propane and butane are the most common types of gases to cause explosions because they are commonly used for heating purposes. Some gas explosions are minor, with the increase in pressure not generating enough force to damage anything, while other gas explosions can cause injury, damage to property, even death.

Some common causes include:

• Old, rusty gas lines or ones that are damaged that run from the street into your home
• Defective gas-operated equipment
• Improper use of gas furnaces, stoves or other gas appliances
• Gas appliances that have been poorly or incorrectly installed

Your best course of prevention is to know and trust your home is safe by having your systems checked regularly by a professional. Older homes with older HVAC systems tend to have a greater incidence of gas leaks. If you suspect any of your systems have been damaged somehow, be sure to have them inspected.

Also, be familiar with the ‘rotten egg’ smell of Carbon Monoxide. The nasty smell is added to the otherwise odorless gas to alarm people when gas is present in the home or workplace. If you smell gas, or if you think you smell gas, leave the premises and contact emergency authorities as soon as possible.

Although the likelihood of a gas explosion is pretty rare, it’s very important to first, make sure your home is as safe as it can be, and then, be aware of any warning signs and act quickly if you suspect there is a problem.

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Miller Weisbrod's Gas Explosion Attorneys have successfully prosecuted multiple cases against Atmos arising from explosions due to aging pipes, broken pipes and inadequate policies relating to replacement of natural gas pipe components, and failing to warn and evacuate nearby residents. Attorney, Clay Miller obtained a $12,500,000 settlement in a gas explosion resulting in serious burn injuries to our client. Dallas man injured in 2011 home gas explosion:
When Domingo Mendez's converted garage apartment in South Oak Cliff exploded in 2011, all of his thoughts turned to getting his then 5-year-old son out of the collapsed structure.

If you, or someone you know, have suffered an injury in a natural gas explosion, please contact us at 214.987.0005 or toll free at 888.987.0005 for a free consultation.