Whenever combustible materials are near, Chicago residents should take precautions to prevent ignition of those resources. Whether they are at their homes or at their jobs, individuals who must handle dangerous and flammable products put themselves in peril when accidents happen with those materials. One of the major hazards of experiencing a flammable materials fire is the difficulty of containing it.
While changing a propane tank in their employer’s garage, four workers at an Oak Park bakery were injured when the tank caught fire. One of the employees was burned so severely that the worker had to be taken to Loyola University Medical Center for treatment. The other three suffered less severe personal injuries and were released after receiving medical treatment.
The fire, which occurred in the garage of Turano Bakery, quickly spread into a three-alarm blaze. Area neighborhoods were evacuated as smoke and flames poured out of the burning structure. Firefighters prevented a greater tragedy from occurring by bringing the fire under control.
As Turano Bakery begins assessing the damages it experienced in the fire, others may look into exactly how such a massive and dangerous fire could have started in the first place. Turano may face civil claims from the injured parties if it is found that the workers were not properly trained to change the propane tank or if they were not given adequate equipment for performing such a task. If an investigation shows that the propane tank was malfunctioning or faulty, claims may also attach to the maker of the tank.
When violent accidents such as this fire occur and victims are left suffering, it can seem as though there is no way that they will ever get back to their normal lives. As more information about the fire is found, opportunities to pursue rightful claims for compensation may develop for the victims. Victims of personal injury accidents can often exercise their rights to damages in order to become whole after suffering harm in tragic events.
Source: CBS Chicago, “Four Injured In Explosion, Fire At Turano Bakery Lot In Oak Park,” John Dodge, Nov. 11, 2014
