A suspected propane explosion recently turned tragic, leaving one person dead and another critically injured. The blast, which authorities believe was caused by a propane leak or mishandled tank, has once again raised serious concerns about the dangers of propane and how easily things can go wrong when safety protocols are ignored or equipment is faulty.
As the investigation unfolds, families affected by such incidents are often left with more questions than answers. Who is responsible? Could the tragedy have been prevented? What legal options do survivors or the families of victims have?
At Kherkher Garcia, our attorneys are committed to helping victims of propane explosions understand their rights and pursue justice. Learn more below about the risks of propane and how our oil and gas injury attorneys can help victims protect their rights.
Granger House Explosion
A deadly house explosion in Granger, Texas, remains under investigation after a woman was killed and a man was critically injured on the morning of Friday, May 2. Emergency crews responded to the blast on South Gabriel Street shortly before 10 a.m. The woman was found dead at the scene, and the man was airlifted to the hospital.
Due to the fatality, authorities have designated the site as a crime scene until the cause of the explosion is determined. Multiple agencies, including local fire departments, EMS, the Fire Marshal’s Office, and Atmos Energy, were involved in the response. Propane was reportedly present on the property, raising concerns about its role in the incident. The explosion did not damage nearby structures but led to temporary road closures in the area.
This incident follows a recent propane explosion in Austin that injured six people and damaged multiple homes, prompting increased scrutiny of fuel storage and safety measures.
The Dangers of Propane
Propane is a widely used and highly flammable hydrocarbon gas stored under pressure in tanks for use in residential heating, outdoor grilling, construction, and even industrial settings. Although efficient and relatively inexpensive, propane is extremely dangerous when mishandled, poorly maintained, or allowed to leak.
Key hazards of propane include:
- High Flammability: Propane gas can ignite at concentrations as low as 2.1% in air, making even small leaks a potential disaster.
- Explosion Risk: In confined or semi-enclosed spaces, a propane leak can lead to a buildup of explosive gas.
- Invisible and Odorless: While propane is naturally odorless, manufacturers add a chemical called ethyl mercaptan to give it a rotten egg smell. However, this odorant can fade or be ineffective, especially in older tanks or if the gas has leaked through soil.
- Asphyxiation: In confined areas, propane can displace oxygen and cause suffocation.
These risks make it essential for propane to be handled and stored properly. When companies or individuals fail to follow safety standards, the consequences can be devastating.
Common Causes of Propane Explosions
Investigations into propane explosions often reveal a pattern of preventable causes. Whether it’s a defective tank, poor maintenance, or negligence during installation, many of these disasters stem from human error or corporate oversight. The most common causes of propane explosions include:
Leaking Tanks or Valves
Old, corroded, or damaged tanks can develop leaks. A single spark in the vicinity of leaked propane gas can result in a violent explosion. Faulty valves and regulators can also cause leaks, especially if equipment is not properly maintained.
Improper Installation
If propane tanks, gas lines, or appliances are not installed correctly by licensed professionals, the risk of gas leaks and explosions increases dramatically. Mistakes in gas line fittings or a lack of proper testing can lead to deadly consequences.
Defective Equipment
Sometimes the tank or propane-powered appliance itself is defective due to manufacturing flaws. Defective grills, heaters, stoves, or regulators can cause unexpected leaks or fires.
Neglected Inspections and Maintenance
Tanks and appliances need regular inspections to detect and address issues such as corrosion, faulty valves, and loose connections. Property owners and propane providers share responsibility for ensuring equipment remains safe to use.
Human Error
Improper handling, such as overfilling a tank or storing propane near an open flame, can quickly lead to a flash fire or explosion.
Improper Storage
Propane must be stored in well-ventilated areas away from ignition sources. Storing tanks indoors or in confined spaces increases the danger of an explosion if a leak occurs.
When any of these conditions exist, the risk of an accident increases exponentially — and so does the likelihood that someone may be held liable. It is imperative to seek the guidance of a Texas gas leak injury attorney to determine the cause and potential legal options available.
Injuries Resulting from Propane Explosions
Propane explosions often result in catastrophic injuries due to the sheer force of the blast, heat, and flying debris. Survivors typically face long-term physical and emotional challenges, while families of those killed must cope with overwhelming loss. Common injuries include:
- Severe Burn Injuries: Propane explosions frequently cause second- or third-degree burns, which may require extensive skin grafts, surgeries, and lifelong care.
- Blast Injuries: The shockwave of an explosion can cause traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, hearing loss, and damage to vital organs.
- Fractures and Crush Injuries: Debris from an explosion can strike victims or cause structural collapses, resulting in broken bones or crushed limbs.
- Inhalation Injuries: Victims may suffer damage to the lungs and respiratory system due to inhalation of superheated air or smoke.
- Psychological Trauma: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common after surviving or witnessing an explosion.
These injuries often require emergency care, multiple surgeries, extended rehabilitation, and lifelong medical treatment. This comes at a high financial and emotional cost.
Determining Liability After a Propane Explosion
If you or a loved one were injured in a propane explosion, it is essential to identify who may be liable for the incident. In many cases, more than one party may share responsibility. Potentially liable parties include:
- Property Owners or Landlords. Property owners may be liable for failing to maintain propane systems, not installing carbon monoxide or gas detectors, or failing to warn tenants of known risks.
- Propane Suppliers. Gas delivery companies may be responsible if they failed to inspect tanks, delivered gas to faulty equipment, or used unqualified technicians.
- Manufacturers of Tanks or Appliances. If a propane tank or related equipment was defective, the manufacturer or distributor may be held liable under product liability laws.
- Installers and Maintenance Technicians. Contractors who improperly installed or failed to maintain propane systems can be held liable if their negligence caused the explosion.
- Employers or Contractors (in workplace incidents). When explosions occur on job sites, injured workers may be able to pursue workers’ compensation or third-party personal injury claims.
Proving liability often requires a thorough investigation into how the explosion occurred, whether safety standards were violated, and what preventive measures were ignored.
Why You Should Contact an Attorney After a Propane Explosion
Navigating the aftermath of a propane explosion is overwhelming, especially when dealing with life-altering injuries or the sudden loss of a loved one. An experienced attorney can provide critical support by investigating the incident, identifying liable parties, and pursuing compensation on your behalf. An attorney can help by:
- Preserving Evidence. Time is of the essence. An attorney will work quickly to secure physical evidence, expert analysis, and witness statements.
- Working with Experts. Fire and explosion cases often require the input of engineers, fire investigators, and safety specialists.
- Determining Liability. Your attorney will examine maintenance records, installation logs, and equipment history to identify negligent parties.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies. Insurers often try to minimize payouts or shift blame. Your lawyer will fight to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.
- Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, your attorney can file a lawsuit to hold responsible parties accountable in court.
Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses. But without legal representation, it can be difficult to navigate the system and recover the full amount you deserve.
Contact Kherkher Garcia for a Free Consultation
Propane explosions are not always just tragic accidents. They are often the result of negligence, carelessness, or corporate wrongdoing. If you or a loved one has been affected by a propane explosion, the attorneys at Kherkher Garcia are here to help.
We understand the devastating impact these incidents can have, and we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable. Our team has years of experience representing victims in fire and explosion cases. We will fight tirelessly to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact Kherkher Garcia today for a free consultation. Call us at 713-333-1030, or submit our online contact form. Let us help you rebuild your life and protect your rights.
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