One Man Severely Burned After House Explosion in East Chicago, Indiana

One man is severely burned over 60 percent of his body after a house explosion in East Chicago, Indiana. The house partially collapsed and caught fire. The explosion happened at 9:30 am on June 9, 2018. Officials suspect that natural gas may have caused the explosion, although investigators have not issued a definitive cause.

The house, in the 3900 block of Evergreen Street, collapsed and caught on fire. The man, who is in his 40s, was found in the wreckage. He is at Methodist Hospital on the Northlake Campus.

The state fire marshal is investigating, and officials from NIPSCO (Northern Indiana Public Service Company) are also on the scene. Neighbors told WGN9 it sounded like a bomb was going off. Neighbors also thought that the home was vacant and the man may have been a contractor, not someone who was living in the house. The neighborhood was evacuated for a few hours and officials turned off the natural gas lines to the area.

Natural Gas House Explosion Can Cause Serious Injuries

Natural gas can cause home explosions in several ways. There may have been a leak in the connection to the home. Appliances such as water heaters, furnaces, ranges, dryers, and stoves could be faulty. Or there could have been a leak from an improperly installed or vented appliance.

These explosions can cause serious injuries. Burns are one of the most common and serious injuries related to these explosions. Depending on the severity of the burn, a person can go into shock or die. These patients usually need painful and extended medical treatments. Third or fourth degree burns can destroy the skin and even destroy tissue, muscle, and bone.

Crush injuries are also common in explosions, from the blast wave the explosion generates, or from being thrown through the air into walls or other structures. Crush syndrome can cause loss of limbs and even trigger kidney failure or a heart attack.

Pritzker Hageman Attorneys 

The law firm of Pritzker Hageman has won millions for their burn clients over the years, including people injured in a house explosion. Our lawyers will travel to see you and will take the time to get to know you and your family. We feel that listening to you and your concerns is an important part of your case. We still start investigating the incident immediately, and hire experts in explosions and gas leaks to make sure that every facet of the incident is examined.

Call Fred Pritzker or Eric Hageman at 1-888-377-8900 to discuss your case. The call is free and confidential, and there is no obligation.

Source

Dwyer, Meghan. “East Chicago home explosion leaves man severely burned.” WGN9. June 9, 2018.