Four Injured At Silgan Containers Propane Explosion In Rochelle

Personal Injury - Work Compensation - January 9, 2025

Propane Heater Explosion At Silgan Containers Injured Four People In Rochelle As Accident Remains Under Investigation

Four Injured In Silgan Containers Propane Explosion In Rochelle

ROCHELLE, ILLINOIS (January 9, 2024) – Four people were hospitalized with serious burns after a propane heater exploded at Silgan Containers in Rochelle.

Ogle County officials are saying that the incident took place on Tuesday morning. A propane heater exploded and injured three people outside of Silgan Containers on North 15th Street.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victims. A total of four people were injured, but one person sustained more minor injuries.

Another three people sustained serious burns and were transported to the hospital. Some of the employees clothes were set on fire.

The propane heater involved in the explosion was apparently leaking propane. A full investigation into the propane explosion at Silgan Containers remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for Rochelle Propane Tank Accidents

Propane tank explosions are unfortunately quite common. According to the Journal of Burn Care & Research, “Approximately 3000 propane fires and explosions are reported yearly. More than 9% of these cases result in bodily injury, and the mortality rate is more than 7% of the injured.” Many of these accidents occur in the workplace. There are a number of measures that businesses should take in order to protect against propane explosions.

  • Businesses should ensure that propane tanks and related equipment are only installed by professionals.
  • Businesses should conduct routine inspections to detect leaks, corrosion, and other hazardous conditions.
  • Businesses should train their employees how to safely handle, store, and use propane.
  • Businesses should install leak detection systems to alert employees of a leak.

Workers in Illinois are protected through the state’s worker’s compensation system. This is a no-fault insurance scheme that helps injured workers for injuries sustained during the course of their work. Unlike personal injury claims, there is no need for an injured party to demonstrate fault. In addition to worker’s compensation, an injured worker may also be able to seek compensation through a third-party liability claim. A third-party claim may be possible if an entity separate from a worker’s employer was responsible for an accident.

There could be numerous sources of third-party liability for any instance where a worker is injured in a propane explosion. For example, the company that made a propane heater or propane tank could be liable if it failed to meet safety standards. The device in question may have lacked adequate instructions or warning labels. Landlords and property owners could potentially be held at fault for failing to maintain their premises in a safe condition. Victims of propane explosions often suffer very serious injuries.

  • First-Degree Burns
  • Secondary Blast Injuries
  • Barotrauma
  • Ruptured Eardrums
  • Amputations
  • Crush Injuries

It can be hard to know where to begin after being seriously injured at work. Victims are often left with critical injuries and expensive medical bills. In many cases, burn patients will need to undergo multiple, painful skin-graft surgeries. It is important for victims of propane explosions to understand that they do have rights. They may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. A personal injury attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case free of cost and let you know what your legal options are.

Investigating Rochelle Propane Tank Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to all of the workers injured at Silgan Containers in Rochelle. It is our sincere hope that they will all be able to make a full recovery. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. There needs to be a thorough investigation into why this propane tank involved in the explosion was leaking.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured at Silgan Containers? You may have legal recourse. Our team of propane accident attorneys is here for you. We have decades of experience protecting the rights of victims and workers. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support after being injured at work, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.