COMMON CAUSES OF GAS EXPLOSIONS
A gas explosion occurs when there is a gas leak combined with an ignition source. A variety of explosive gases exist, including methane, propane, natural gas, and butane. These gases are widely used throughout the world for heating purposes. Over the years, thousands of people have been killed in gas explosions, and many of these tragic events have occurred while industrial workers were installing or repairing natural gas pipelines. WHAT CAUSES GAS EXPLOSIONS? Often, during the coldest seasons of the year, we hear of gas explosions where an entire family is killed as a result of a faulty gas heater or leak in the gas lines. Recently, we have heard of troubling situations where the gas lines coming to and from a home simply wear out or rust, allowing gas to escape. Any type of fire, flame, or even a spark can set off accumulated pockets of gas. In September 2010, a natural gas pipeline explosion in a San Francisco suburb ignited a massive fire that killed 4, injured dozens more...