CNG-Powered Garbage Truck Explodes in Arlington Heights

 Posted on December 18, 2024 in Personal Injury

It is not every day you hear about a garbage truck exploding, but Arlington Heights residents witnessed such an explosion firsthand on December 6, 2024. A garbage truck powered by compressed natural gas caught fire and then exploded. Three first responders sustained injuries from the blast and flying debris. Fragments of the truck and CNG tanks also damaged nearby homes and vehicles, with some debris flung several blocks away.

CNG powers many kinds of vehicles, and all should be inspected regularly due to various safety issues with pressurized gas. If you are injured by a CNG-powered vehicle, whether in a car accident or explosion, an experienced Arlington Heights, IL personal injury attorney can determine the at-fault party and work to secure the highest available amount of compensation for you.

What Kinds of Vehicles Run on Compressed Natural Gas?

Airplanes, helicopters, trucks, passenger cars, buses, and vans are only some of the vehicles that are manufactured for CNG use. Some vehicles that are not specially produced for CNG can later be converted, but that should be done by a qualified retrofitter. Whether a vehicle has only one or multiple CNG tanks, the gas inside is compressed to under 1 percent of its standard volume.

What Kinds of Accidents and Injuries Can Result from CNG Vehicles?

As with any kind of motor vehicle, those powered by CNG can be involved in traffic collisions. High-speed impacts can lead to CNG tank failure, fires, and explosions. Where liquid fuel spills slowly, the extreme pressure of CNG causes it to disperse almost instantly, frequently resulting in larger fires.

CNG tanks have various safety features, such as pressure relief valves. However, accidents involving these tanks can happen due to:

• Manufacturing defects

• Parts failures

• Expired or unsafe tanks

• Uninspected tanks

• Over pressurization

• Lax inspections

• Improper tank positioning

• Physical damage to the cylinder, such as rust, dents, or corrosion

• Lack of protective barriers

If a CNG tank explodes, injuries can be catastrophic, including severe burns, organ damage, injuries from the impact of a victim being thrown over a distance, and lung damage. Extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation expenses combined with the inability to earn an income often create significant financial strain, and the emotional and psychological effects can be overwhelming. Without competent legal representation, you might not get nearly enough compensation for your damages.

How Can a Lawyer Help?

Your accident needs to be investigated thoroughly before you can file an insurance claim. If the initial incident was a vehicle collision, the driver who hit you could be at fault. However, if the CNG vehicle was commercial, such as a garbage truck, the list of potentially at-fault parties expands. If the tank was defective or malfunctioned, liability could fall on the manufacturers of the tank or parts, inspectors, and vehicle owners. For overfilled cylinders, the company or person responsible could share the blame.

Consult Our Palatine, IL Car Accident Attorneys

Explosions often cause severe injuries, and Newland & Newland, LLP will aggressively pursue the maximum compensation available. When you choose our firm, your attorney will investigate thoroughly to identify all at-fault parties and gather evidence to hold them accountable. We will then calculate and pursue the full amount of damages you deserve, whether through settlement negotiations or by taking your case to trial. Contact us online or call 847-797-8000 to schedule a free case review with one of our Schaumburg, IL personal injury lawyers.