A tragic house explosion in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, claimed the life of an 84-year-old woman on Tuesday evening. Initial reports suggest that a propane gas leak may have caused the explosion on the 300 block of College Street.
The Allegheny County Fire Marshal reported concerns that the home’s propane system was not up to code, allowing gas to accumulate in the basement. The explosion collapsed the first floor into the basement, blew out the foundation walls, and triggered a second blast from a 100-pound propane tank behind the house.
This devastating explosion highlights the serious dangers of gas leaks and the critical need for stronger safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.
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What Causes a House Explosion?
House explosions like the one in Penn Hills can occur due to various factors, but gas leaks remain one of the leading causes. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire departments across the United States respond to an estimated 125,000 propane and natural gas leaks every year. These gas leaks pose a serious risk of explosions and fires, underscoring the importance of proper installation, regular maintenance, and immediate leak detection to prevent disasters.
Even the smallest spark can trigger a massive explosion when propane or natural gas builds up in an enclosed space. Common causes of propane gas leaks include:
- Leaks in Tanks or Gas Lines – Damaged or poorly maintained tanks, pipes, or valves can cause propane leaks, increasing the risk of an explosion.
- Odor Fade – Propane is treated with a chemical to give it a “rotten egg” smell for leak detection, but if the supplier fails to add enough odorant, the scent can weaken or disappear, making leaks much harder to detect.
- Improper Tank Filling – Overfilled propane tanks may not have enough space for the gas to safely expand, while underfilled tanks can cause an unsafe mix of propane and air, increasing the risk of an explosion.
- Poor Installation or Maintenance of Equipment – Faulty or poorly maintained propane-powered appliances like stoves or water heaters can develop leaks that may lead to a fire and explosion.
Investigating a Propane Explosion: How Explosion Lawyers Can Help
After a propane explosion, an experienced gas explosion lawyer plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause and identify any responsible parties. At Pritzker Hageman, our explosion legal team works with the top cause and origin specialists to examine:
- The installation and maintenance of gas lines and propane tanks
- Potential product defects in gas appliances
- Maintenance and inspection records from utility and gas companies
- Evidence of negligence, such as improper repairs or ignored warning signs
If an investigation uncovers negligence from a gas supplier, propane company, manufacturer, or maintenance provider, the affected family may have legal recourse. The Pritzker Hageman explosion lawyers have extensive experience holding negligent parties accountable and advocating for victims and their families.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a House Explosion
Losing a loved one in a house explosion is an unimaginable tragedy. Families who experience such a loss may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation and justice. An explosion wrongful death lawsuit can provide a way to seek accountability and financial relief for damages including:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
If negligence by a propane company, gas supplier, or maintenance provider is found, they may be held legally accountable. At Pritzker Hageman, our explosion lawyers are dedicated to helping families seek justice and secure the compensation they deserve.
Contact Eric today and find out how you can get compensation and justice
1-888-377-8900 (Toll-Free) | attorneys@pritzerlaw.com
About Pritzker Hageman: Trusted Burn Injury and Explosion Lawyers
Pritzker Hageman is one of the few law firms in the country with extensive experience representing burn survivors and families who lost a loved one in house explosion lawsuits nationwide. Our explosion lawyers have successfully taken on major gas companies and secured hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients.
We are also proud partners of the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, and our attorneys have been active members of the American Burn Association. Through advocacy and legal action, we strive to make communities safer and prevent future tragedies.
Seeking Justice for Victims of Gas Explosions
At Pritzker Hageman, our explosion attorneys are committed to helping families rebuild their lives after devastating tragedies. Our legal team has a proven track record of holding big companies accountable when their failures lead to preventable disasters. With a deep understanding of explosion cases, we work tirelessly to secure justice and financial relief for our clients.
Pritzker Hageman has represented families in Pennsylvania gas explosion cases, including one where a husband and father suffered severe burns, helping them seek justice and financial recovery after a catastrophic house explosion.
While no amount of compensation can replace a lost loved one, taking legal action can help provide financial security and a measure of justice to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Contact an Explosion Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been affected by a house explosion, our team of explosion lawyers is here to help. We provide compassionate legal representation and fight for the rights of victims and their families.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options by calling 1-888-377-8900, texting 612-261-0856, or filling out the form below.
Related Resources
For more information on burn injuries, legal rights, and explosion lawsuits, explore these legal resources:
- The Pritzker Hageman Burn Injury Legal Team
- Can I Sue for a House Explosion?
- Why Didn’t We Smell Propane Gas Before the House Exploded?
- Propane Explosion Lawsuit
- Taking Legal Action in Hopes of a Better Future
- Legal Action After a Burn Injury: Do I Have a Case?
- Finding and Hiring a Burn Injury Attorney
- Burn Injury Lawyers Eric Hageman and David Coyle Reflect on the Phoenix World Burn Congress
- Girls with Grafts Podcast Episode: Season One Podcast Sponsor Pritzker Hageman Discuss Legal Action After a Burn Injury with Special Guest Host Hailey Boyce of Team Courage Rising
Download the Phoenix Society Handbook on Legal Action After a Burn Injury here.
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