Food trucks are becoming a popular phenomenon across the nation, including Missouri and Illinois. These mobile cafes on wheels have the mobility to serve food in various spots in cities and even events like festivals. While they provide a unique method for people to enjoy their favorite types of food in venues outside of a conventional restaurant, they can also prove dangerous for both workers and customers. One recent food truck explosion resulted in severe burn injuries to a mother and daughter, ultimately claiming their lives.
Eleven more individuals suffered injuries after the explosion took place, with three victims being critically wounded. The explosion happened in late July in a major city in another state. The mother had reportedly purchased the truck as a method for ensuring her daughter’s future plans to attend medical school. The 17-year-old would often help her mother prepare for the next day of cooking, or even help her get ready in the mornings before school. During summer, she would usually join her mother working in the truck.
This was likely the case when the food truck recently exploded. According to investigators, there were two full propane tanks used to fuel the food truck’s grills, one of which was being used when the explosion occurred. Apparently, however, the leak actually occurred inside the other tank, leading to the fatal explosion and fire. The second tank was flung approximately 100 feet away from the truck after it exploded.
In the wake of this fiery explosion, several agencies investigated the incident. These included the Philadelphia fire marshal’s office and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Reports indicate that a surveillance video set up near the scene actually recorded the explosion, which could be helpful in the investigation. After the explosion, a fireball swept across the food truck and ignited a nearby utility pole into flame.
The bodies of the mother and daughter will be flown to their native country, Guatemala, for a burial after a funeral here in the United States. There is not yet any word on whether relatives of the two who lost their lives might consider filing wrongful death lawsuits against the manufacturers of the propane tanks for any potential defects that may have been present.
Alternatively, the eleven victims who were injured in the food truck explosion and fire could possibly have claims against either the estate of the food truck’s owner (in this case the mother) or the manufacturers of the propane tanks if negligence on the part of one or both parties can be established. In Missouri and Illinois, personal injury laws provide injured victims the right to pursue such monetary claims in civil court to help them recoup the costs of medical and other related expenses. These could include any lost wages from time that victims are unable to work.
Pursuing either personal injury or wrongful death claims in Missouri or Illinois can help injured victims with burn injuries, or surviving relatives in the case of fatal injuries, the chance to recover financially as they also seek to recover emotionally or physically. In order to have the best chance of success in a food truck explosion case, plaintiffs need to present evidence demonstrating that another party’s negligence caused or contributed to their injuries and resulting damages. My St. Louis personal injury law firm is experienced in this type of case, and can be contacted toll-free at 1-888-586-7041 to discuss your case and the potential legal options you have. It is important to remember that statutes of limitations apply in most cases, so the sooner you act, the better chance to preserve your legal rights for obtaining financial compensation.
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