On Thursday, August 4, 2016, seven people were injured when a house in Vernon, Connecticut, exploded. Of the 7, 4 were children. The family has asked for privacy, so we will not publish the names here.
The house was obliterated, and this family lost everything. A relative of those injured has set up a GoFundMe page to get donations that will be used for basic needs and medical expenses. If there is any additional information about ways to help this family, let us know, and we will add it here.
First on the scene were Vernon firefighters Stan Landry (Assistant Chief), Lt. Dave Williams, Rich Harrison, Warren Boulette and Michael Levasseur. The immediately took action to rescue 4 people who were trapped in the debris. Two teams of firefighters worked to free them.
The children were taken to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and 2 of the adults were taken to Hartford Hospital. As of early this morning, 2 of the children were still in the hospital, and one of the adults was still hospitalized with severe injuries.
Propane Gas Leak Likely Cause of Explosion
After days of investigation by the Vernon Fire Marshal, Connecticut State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, the likely cause appears to be a propane gas leak that occurred between the tank and the gas clothes drier, which was located in the basement.
As the family begins to heal, it is important that they get answers regarding the cause of the leak and if a propane company or another business is legally responsible.
Injuries sustained by in a house explosion can include:
- burns
- fractures
- traumatic brain injury
- organ damage and other internal injuries
- ruptured eardrums.
Our lawyers recently won $10 million for an explosion victim who was severely burned when a propane tank at a newly constructed home blew up, sending our client flying off of the home’s deck. In addition to his burns, he suffered numerous broken bones. Attorneys Fred Pritzker and Eric Hageman found evidence that the propane tank had not been properly filled, causing the odorant in the propane to fade. Because the odorant faded, no one smelled the deadly gas before the explosion.
