Robert Waters Killed In LaSalle County Home Explosion Accident on East Third Road
Wrongful Death - September 6, 2022
Robert Waters Died In LaSalle County Home Explosion Accident At Property on East Third Road
LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS (September 5, 2022) – Robert Waters was identified as one of two people who died in a LaSalle County home explosion accident on East Third Road.
LaSalle County officials are saying that the accident took place on Saturday morning. There was a home explosion at a property along East Third Road.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victims. Robert Waters and a woman were seriously injured in the blast.
The woman was flown to a hospital in Rockford where she was pronounced dead. Sadly, Robert Waters also died due to the severity of his injuries.
The cause of the explosion is unknown at this time. But fire officials do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public.
A full investigation remains ongoing.
Liability In LaSalle County Home Explosion Accidents
Home explosion accidents may seem like freak occurrences, but they are unfortunately quite common. Many home explosions involve natural gas leaks. 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 factors that could contribute to a natural gas explosion.
- Gas operated appliances may have been defective.
- A natural gas pipeline may be damaged.
- A natural gas pipeline may have been portly maintained.
Depending on the facts of any case, there could be numerous sources of liability for any home explosion accident. Utility companies have a legal responsibility to maintain their lines in a reasonably safe condition. This includes doing periodic checks on their equipment and all needed maintenance. If a utility company fails to maintain their lines and this leads to a leak and then an explosion, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any home explosion.
- All of the appliances used in the home should be examined.
- A forensic analysis of the site should be performed.
- Medical records should be performed.
- Any gas lines near the home should be examined.
It can be difficult to know where to begin after any home explosion. It is important that all evidence is properly preserved. In many situations, explosions involve some amount of negligence on the part of utility companies. However, it is very common for utility companies to deny any responsibility after a home explosion.
Liability In LaSalle County Home Explosion Accidents
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Robert Waters and the woman that died. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of all who have lost so much. It is our sincere hope that measures will be 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 help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
