A Sept. 15 explosion during renovations in a rental home on Shady Glen Drive injured two workers in the kitchen. The two men had been using lacquer thinner to strip glue from the floor when an unknown ignition source ignited the lacquer fumes. The resulting explosion injured both men and started a fire that severely damaged the vacant Waco home. The exact cause of the incident is being investigated by officials.
A neighbor witnessed both men exiting the home after hearing the explosion. He reportedly saw the 53-year-old worker fully engulfed in flames; the second worker, 25, had flames on his hands and shirt. They both appeared to be in shock as the neighbor tried to help them extinguish the flames. Both men were transported to Parkland Burn Center in Dallas. The older worker is listed in critical condition with burns over 90 percent of his body and injuries from inhaling smoke. The younger man is in serious condition after receiving burns on 20 percent of his body.
The home had been empty for a number of weeks. The men were making repairs before new tenants were due to move in.
There is always a chance for workplace accidents in any job or profession. It is the responsibility of the employer to provide a safe environment in which to work and the employee to act in a safe manner. Incidents like this show that accidents can happen almost anywhere and may have drastic consequences.
Cases of workers’ compensation can be complicated for the injured employee. An attorney can help the injured victim by working their case through the court while the worker focuses on their healing and recovery.
Source: WacoTrib.com, “Two men remain hospitalized after Waco explosion, house fire“, Tommy Witherspoon, September 16, 2014