Michele Waters Killed In LaSalle County House Explosion on East Third Road
Wrongful Death - November 2, 2022
Michele Waters, Robert Waters Died In LaSalle County Home Explosion Accident Along East Third Road
LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS (November 2, 2022) – Two people identified as Michele Waters and Robert Waters were killed in a LaSalle County home explosion on East Third Road.
LaSalle County officials are saying that the accident took place on Saturday morning. Michele Waters and Robert Waters were both inside of the home when there was a sudden explosion.
Both victims were severely injured in the explosion and Robert Waters died from his injuries. Michele Waters was airlifted to a Rockford trauma center.
Sadly, she also died after being admitted. Fire officials were eventually able to put out the resulting blaze from the explosion.
No threat to the public is believed to remain at this time. A full investigation remains ongoing.
Liability In LaSalle County Home Explosion Accidents
Natural gas remains one of the most common causes of home explosions. According to RP Gas Piping, “Across the U.S. there are about 286 serious natural gas explosions per year—the type that cause over $50,000 worth of damage, severe injury, or loss of life. Between 1998 and 2017, 15 people per year on average died in incidents related to gas distribution in the U.S.” There are a number of steps that gas companies can take in order to prevent explosions.
- Gas lines should be periodically inspected.
- Gas lines should be well maintained.
- Gas lines should not be overly pressurized.
It is possible that a gas company could potentially be liable for a gas explosion. Far from being freak occurrences, natural gas explosions usually involve some amount of negligence. All gas companies have a legal obligation to maintain their lines in a reasonably safe condition. If a gas company knew (or should have known) that a gas line was in a dangerous condition and failed to act, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are many steps that should be taken after any home explosion:
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Gas lines around the home should be inspected.
- A forensic analysis of the blast site should be performed.
It can be difficult to know where to begin after any serious explosion. But it is important to remember that these events are not mysterious. In the vast majority of cases, the cause of a home explosion can be determined. It is also important to remember that accident victims do have rights. They have the right to know what happened and are able to pursue civil damages if that is what they choose.
Investigating A LaSalle County Home Explosion Accident
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Michele Waters and Robert Waters. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about a LaSalle County home explosion accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that gas companies are doing everything in their power to keep customers safe. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any accident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.