You never know what might happen at work. You might come across an unruly customer. You might trip and fall or get injured by equipment. You could even die in an explosion.
Unfortunately, the latter happened at a Firestone shop in Florida, where a tire exploded for unknown reasons, killing a worker. The fatal explosion happened on the afternoon of June 24 at a Firestone off Skyline Boulevard and Veterans Memorial Parkway in Cape Coral. Cape Coral Police are now conducting a death investigation at the Firestone location.
Police were called to the tire shop after a workplace accident occurred. A tire exploded in the garage, killing one man. No other injuries have been reported. Police say this is an isolated event.
One witness, who remained anonymous, said that the explosion sounded like thunder, so the tire shop managers and employees did not think too much of it until multiple police cars and ambulances started coming around. The witness started to get concerned when they saw the police tape being put up. One person told the witness that they heard someone screaming. The whole incident was just so hard for bystanders to believe.
Firestone released a statement regarding the incident, stating that they are saddened to report that a Firestone Complete Auto Care store employee was killed in the accident. They offer their sympathies to the victim’s family, friends and colleagues. Firestone is trying to determine the cause of the accident. The company is fully cooperating with local authorities as they conduct their investigation. Cape Coral’s forensics detectives stayed at the accident scene throughout the evening to gather evidence.
Dangers of Explosions
Explosions can lead to a variety of harmful consequences. Here are some key dangers associated with explosions:
- Physical injury or death. The shockwave from an explosion can cause severe injuries, including ruptured eardrums, lung damage, and internal bleeding. The pressure wave can also lead to traumatic brain injuries. Explosions often produce flying debris and shrapnel, which can cause lacerations, fractures, and other injuries. Explosions can also generate intense heat, leading to severe burns.
- Fire. Explosions often ignite fires, which can spread rapidly and pose additional risks to people and property. Fires resulting from explosions may produce toxic smoke and gases, which can cause respiratory issues or asphyxiation.
- Psychological effects. The experience of an explosion can lead to psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
- Economic loss. Explosions can cause extensive damage to buildings, vehicles, and other property, leading to significant financial losses. Explosions can also disrupt business operations, leading to economic losses for companies.
- Legal and regulatory implications. Do not ignore the legal issues involved with an explosion. If an explosion is caused by negligence, those responsible parties may face legal consequences, including lawsuits and fines. Industries that experience explosions may face penalties as well as increased regulatory oversight and stricter safety requirements.
What Causes a Tire to Explode?
A tire explosion is often referred to as a blowout. One can occur due to several factors:
- Overinflation. If a tire is inflated beyond its recommended pressure, the excessive air pressure can cause it to burst, especially when driving at high speeds or over rough terrain.
- Underinflation. Underinflated tires can overheat as they flex more while driving, weakening the tire structure and potentially leading to a blowout.
- Excessive load. Carrying too much weight can strain the tires, especially if they are not rated for the load. This can cause the tire to fail, particularly if combined with other factors like underinflation.
- Tire damage. Punctures, cuts, or cracks in a tire can weaken it, making it more susceptible to failure. If a tire with existing damage is driven on for too long or at high speeds, it may explode.
- Overheating. Tires can overheat due to prolonged driving at high speeds, especially in hot weather. Heat can weaken the tire’s structure, leading to a blowout.
- Manufacturing defects. In rare cases, a tire may have a defect from the factory, such as a weak spot in the rubber or a flaw in the internal structure. This can cause the tire to fail unexpectedly.
- Improper installation. If a tire is not installed correctly on the rim, it can lead to an uneven distribution of pressure, which can cause a blowout.
- Road hazards. Hitting a pothole, curb, or sharp object can cause sudden damage to a tire, leading to a blowout.
Contact Us Today
Accidents can happen at the workplace at any time. While some incidents are minor, many can cause fatalities, as seen in this case.
The team at Brill & Rinaldi, The Law Firm, can assist you if you have been injured at work. We have the experience you need and will work hard to obtain the maximum compensation available to you. We can answer your questions about the workers’ compensation system. To schedule a consultation, call (954) 876-4344 or fill out the online form. We have offices in Weston, Coral Gables, and Daytona Beach.