Industrial fires and explosions can result in the tragic loss of life in minutes. For example, an ammonium nitrate explosion occurring at the West Fertilizer Company located in West, Texas, on April 17, 2013, killed 15 people and injured more than 160 others, many of whom were first responders. The explosion and resulting fires damaged or destroyed more than 150 buildings.
Causes of Industrial Fires and Explosions
Serious fires and explosions typically involve large quantities of highly flammable or explosive materials. In many cases, not only is the material itself highly volatile, but the gas vapors emanating from the material are also highly volatile. When such vapors are highly condensed or contained in an enclosed area, even a very small spark or static electricity can trigger a tremendous explosion.
Who is Responsible?
In industrial fires and explosions, often multiple may be liable, including:
- The company that operated the facility at which the fire or explosion occurred,
- The owners of such property, if such property was being leased by the operating company,
- The manufacturers of containers in which the volatile materials were stored, if a defect in the container led to the fire or explosion,
- Any third-party contractors who may have advised on aspects concerning the storage or handling of the dangerous materials, if they were negligent in the advice or training provided concerning such storage or handling,
- Any contractors or third parties that were onsite who caused the fire or explosion through negligent acts or omissions, and
- The government and its agencies, if they were negligent in requiring dangerous materials to be stored or handled in a way that posed a risk of explosion or fire.
The Causes are Highly Fact-Specific
While industrial fires and explosions are heavily investigated by one or more governmental agencies, additional investigation, interviews, and depositions are often required in lawsuits against those who may bear legal liability. Our firm is committed to obtaining the full and complete facts of the causes, people, and entities involved to seek recovery against all those responsible for their share of the injuries and damages that been suffered by our clients.
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