A devastating propane gas explosion in Florida City injured ten people and caused significant structural damage to a local business. The blast triggered a fire and partial roof collapse at a building formerly occupied by Palm Bakery. While the full cause of the explosion is still under investigation, early reports indicate that a propane leak likely contributed to the incident.
Propane is widely used across the U.S. for heating, cooking, and powering equipment. While generally safe when handled properly, propane gas leaks can quickly escalate into catastrophic explosions. Victims of these incidents may suffer traumatic injuries, permanent disability, or worse. Meanwhile, victims face mounting medical bills, lost income, and long-term psychological trauma.
At Kherkher Garcia, we represent individuals and families harmed by gas leaks, fires, and explosions. In this blog, our gas injury attorneys explain how propane leaks happen, how to recognize the warning signs, the dangers involved, and what you should do if you or a loved one has been injured in a gas explosion. We will also provide insight into how our experienced gas injury attorneys can help victims recover the compensation they deserve.
Florida Propane Explosion Details
A propane explosion at a Florida City strip mall injured ten people Saturday morning and caused a fire and partial roof collapse, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Emergency crews responded around 8:51 a.m. to the former Palm Bakery at 941 West Palm Drive, where they found extensive damage and multiple victims.
Two individuals suffered serious injuries and were taken to a trauma center, while six others were transported with less severe, but serious injuries, requiring basic life support. Two additional victims arrived at a hospital on their own before emergency crews arrived. Over two dozen rescue units, including canine search teams, were dispatched to ensure no one was trapped beneath the rubble. No further victims were found as of Saturday afternoon.
The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation. Due to the extent of the structural damage, Miami-Dade’s Unsafe Structures unit was notified, though the full impact on the building remains unclear. Authorities continue to assess the scene and gather details on what led to the blast.
What Causes Propane Gas Explosions?
Propane is a colorless, flammable gas stored under pressure in tanks or pipelines. A leak can occur when the gas escapes from its container due to mechanical failure, corrosion, poor maintenance, or human error. Some of the most common causes of propane leaks include:
- Faulty valves or regulators
- Cracked or damaged gas lines
- Improper installation of propane systems or appliances
- Overfilled propane tanks
- Neglected maintenance or inspections
- Physical damage to tanks or piping from vehicles or equipment
In commercial settings like restaurants, bakeries, and retail facilities, multiple propane appliances may be in use. This increases the risk of a leak or fire if any part of the system is compromised.
What are the Signs of a Propane Gas Leak?
Early detection is critical in preventing a gas leak from turning into an explosion. Fortunately, propane is intentionally mixed with a strong-smelling chemical called ethyl mercaptan, which gives it a distinct “rotten egg” odor. If you notice this smell, especially in an enclosed area, it may indicate a leak.
Other signs of a propane leak may include:
- Hissing sounds near gas lines or appliances
- Dead or dying vegetation around underground tanks or pipelines
- White frost on propane tanks or lines (a sign of freezing due to leaking gas)
- Headaches, dizziness, or difficulty breathing indoors (symptoms of propane inhalation)
- Pilot lights going out frequently or flames that are unusually small or flickering
If any of these warning signs appear, evacuate the area immediately and contact emergency services.
Hazards and Injuries Associated with Propane Leaks
When propane leaks into a confined space, the risk of explosion is extremely high. A single spark from a light switch, appliance, or cell phone can ignite the gas and cause a powerful blast. The hazards include:
- Fire and Explosion: The most immediate threat is ignition. Propane is highly flammable and can explode violently, sending debris flying and creating deadly shockwaves.
- Asphyxiation: Propane displaces oxygen in enclosed spaces. Without enough ventilation, victims may become unconscious or die from lack of oxygen.
- Burns and Traumatic Injuries: Propane explosions often result in serious burn injuries, broken bones, concussions, and internal injuries. Victims may also suffer hearing loss, vision damage, or long-term disfigurement.
- Psychological Trauma: Survivors of gas explosions frequently struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
What to Do After a Propane Gas Leak or Explosion
If you’ve been injured in a propane explosion, the steps you take in the aftermath are critical for your health and your legal rights:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel injured immediately, some injuries (like internal trauma or inhalation damage) may not be visible at first. Get a thorough medical exam right away.
- Report the Incident: Contact the fire department, local authorities, or your utility company. Their official investigation will be key to determining what went wrong and who may be liable.
- Document Everything: Take photos of the scene if safe to do so. Keep records of your injuries, hospital visits, and property damage. Save all correspondence from insurance companies and authorities.
- Avoid Repairing or Altering the Site: Don’t allow repairs, cleanup, or modifications until investigators have completed their work. Altering the scene may destroy crucial evidence.
- Contact a Gas Explosion Attorney: An experienced gas injury lawyer can help you launch an independent investigation, preserve evidence, and hold the responsible parties accountable.
How a Gas Injury Attorney Can Help Victims
At Kherkher Garcia, we understand the complex nature of propane explosions. These incidents often involve multiple parties, all of whom may share responsibility. Parties that may be liable include:
- Landlords
- Utility companies
- Equipment manufacturers
- Maintenance contractors
After a propane explosion, determining who is liable is crucial. This is the first step in determining how you can pursue justice and compensation. This is where our gas leak injury lawyers can help. When you hire our legal team, we will:
- Investigate the cause of the explosion: Our experts can examine propane systems, maintenance records, building codes, and inspection logs to identify the source of the leak.
- Determine liability: We evaluate whether negligence, defective products, or regulatory violations contributed to the explosion.
- File claims against responsible parties: You may be entitled to compensation from more than one defendant, including property owners, utility companies, and manufacturers.
- Pursue full compensation: This includes medical bills, lost income, future care needs, pain and suffering, and punitive damages in egregious cases.
- Support you throughout recovery: We handle legal and insurance matters so you can focus on healing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive about propane explosion incidents and claims.
Is propane safe to use at home or in businesses?
Yes, when used properly. Propane is regulated and generally safe if installed and maintained by licensed professionals. However, even minor leaks can lead to major disasters if neglected.
How can I prevent a propane leak?
Regular inspections and maintenance are key. Ensure all appliances and tanks are installed by certified technicians, and never ignore the smell of gas or unusual appliance behavior.
Who can be held liable after a gas explosion?
Liability may fall on property owners, propane suppliers, equipment manufacturers, or maintenance personnel depending on the cause. A thorough investigation is necessary to determine fault.
What kind of compensation can victims recover?
Victims may be eligible for compensation covering:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Wrongful death (for surviving family members)
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. In Texas, for example, the deadline is generally two years from the date of the incident. It is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Contact Kherkher Garcia if You’ve Been Injured in a Propane Explosion
If you or someone you love was injured in a propane leak or explosion, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. These traumatic events can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars. It is critical to hold negligent parties accountable.
At Kherkher Garcia, we have the experience, resources, and dedication to take on complex natural gas or propane explosion cases. Our attorneys fight tirelessly for the justice and compensation our clients deserve. We have recovered billions of dollars on behalf of our clients.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We are here to answer your questions, review your case, and guide you through every step of the legal process. To get started, call us at 713-333-1030 to start your consultation. You can also reach out to us online via our website contact form.
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