While most of the propane is delivered to distribution centers and households through the pipeline, a significant portion of the gas is bottled propane tanks that vary in size and are transported across the country for individuals to purchase goods at the retail center. These tanks, often called cylinders, are used to power space heaters, grills, and other portable appliances that require natural gas as fuel. Before they get to the consumer, though, these cylinders of flammable gas must be transported, usually by freight trains and commercial trucks.

Before a truck or train departs, the company supplying the propane tanks must test the tanks for safety. This includes catching any leaks, safety valve malfunctions, and other defects that may cause the tank to leak gas or otherwise rupture.

During the transportation process, the train engineer or truck driver is charged with safely handling his or her cargo. Typically, the trucking companies will have to label the vehicle with warnings to notify individuals that the vehicle has a flammable gas in its cargo.

Some vehicles may have to be specially outfitted for transporting these cylinders so that they are at less risk for exploding or, at the very least, catching fire in the event of an accident.

Unfortunately, not all propane manufacturers and transporters keep up their obligations to provide safe transportation of the gas. When this happens, the vehicle transporting the gas may explode, which may present serious hazards to individuals within the blast radius.

In many cases, explosions resulting from poor transportation methods are the fault of either the propane manufacturer or the transportation company. In some cases, both may even be to blame.

If you or someone you love suffered injuries in an explosion resulting from the dangerous transportation of propane, discuss your legal rights and options with the propane tank explosion attorneys of Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C.