You may not think about the dangers of a natural gas explosion often, but after September 2018, US citizens realized these explosions could be a huge safety concern. Communities are significantly affected by gas pipeline explosions, and there is a possibility that explosions can happen more than once at the same site. 
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Here are a few important issues to keep in mind when it comes to protecting your family in the scenario of a gas explosion.
How Frequent Are Gas Pipeline Explosions?
A Beaver Country community was evacuated in September 2018 when a gas pipe exploded and shot flames into the air. According to reports, 25 to 30 Center Township homes were evacuated so the fire could burn out.
Firefighters and the rain reduced the blaze, but not before the fire destroyed several vehicles, a home, and two garages. Fortunately, there were no injuries.
These types of incidents don’t occur often, but only three days later, communities in Massachusetts experienced a series of gas explosions. There were more than 70 fires, gas leaks, and explosions, which led to 25 injuries and one death. Massachusetts residents believe the initial explosion was caused by a company that operates in Pennsylvania.
Are Pipeline Explosions Likely to Happen Again?
Beaver County has not come with an official cause for the tragic explosion, but it is believed that over-pressurization and old pipes led to the explosions in Massachusetts.
Experts believe that the company in charge of the gas pipes did not regularly upgrade the pipes. Since the company operates in Pennsylvania and other states, more explosions could occur.
Pipeline Explosions in Other Countries
Gas explosions have occurred in other parts of the world as well. A gas pipeline tract in eastern Venezuela had an explosion in March 2021, according to state oil company PDVSA. Venezuela’s oil minister, Tareck El Aissami, said the explosion was the result of an attack.
The explosion, which involved a 36-inch pipeline that provided natural gas to a plant in the northern region of Monagas, led to the shutdown of the plant to keep the flames from spreading. Aissami believes that the explosion is a terrorist attack but has not provided additional details about who the responsible party could be.
Venezuela is home to significant natural gas and crude reserves but has seen a noticeable decline in the past few years due to the nation’s economic collapse. This has also led to employee downsizing and PDVSA cash flow issues.
Who Is Responsible When A Gas Explosion Happens?
When a gas company cuts corners by using old, cheap, or substandard materials for pipeline operation and maintenance, the company could be liable for a natural gas explosion. However, gas companies are not the only liable parties.
Neighbors who fail to check for gas lines before starting renovation projects could be responsible for gas explosions as well. The same goes for construction companies that fail to adhere to safety regulations could be liable as well.
Determining which individuals or businesses are responsible for gas explosion-related injuries and property losses is essential for victims and their loved ones. Without finding a liable party, victims could be faced with covering all the costs of property damage and medical bills. This is why it is so important to have qualified legal representation in these situations.
So, if you or a loved one have been a victim of a gas pipeline explosion, contact a personal injury claim lawyer as soon as possible. The effects of this type of accident can be devastating long term, so it’s important that you and your loved ones get compensation to cover your out-of-pocket medical expenses, lost income, or lifelong disability expenses spurred by the explosion.
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About the author:
Wilma Wiliams is a law school graduate and a part-time freelance blogger, focused on various legal topics such as personal injury, and bankruptcy. She’s passionate about educating the public on fighting for their rights, which is why she’s currently collaborating with Ask LLP: Lawyers for Justice, whilst actively sharing a part of her experience as a former lawyer.
