Construction workers are at greater risk of burn injuries.
Worker Injured After Transformer Explodes on a West Side Construction Site
According to a report from News4SanAntonio, a construction worker was hospitalized after a transformer exploded on a West Side job site.¹
Police say the incident happened around 10:20 p.m. near Wiseman Boulevard and Luckenbach Road. The transformer was reportedly located near a gas tank when it exploded, prompting the evacuation of a nearby apartment complex.
One construction worker was found with critical injuries and transported to the hospital. No other injuries were reported. The investigation remains ongoing.
Did You Know?
Construction workers face some of the highest injury rates of any industry, with approximately 2.5 injuries per 100 full-time workers nationwide.
Burn and Explosion Injuries in Construction: What You Should Know
Construction sites involve high-voltage electricity, fuel sources, heavy machinery, and temporary wiring systems. When one component fails—especially electrical equipment like a transformer—the result can be catastrophic.
Explosions and electrical incidents are among the most serious workplace accidents because they often cause multiple types of trauma at once.
Why Transformer Explosions Are So Dangerous
Transformers manage and distribute high levels of electricity. If a transformer malfunctions, is improperly installed, or is damaged, it can explode with tremendous force.
When electrical equipment is located near flammable materials, such as fuel tanks, the risk of fire and secondary explosions increases significantly.
Injuries from transformer explosions often include:
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Severe thermal burns
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Electrical shock injuries
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Blast trauma from the force of the explosion
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Lung damage from smoke inhalation
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Internal injuries caused by flying debris
Burn and electrical injuries frequently require emergency surgery, skin grafts, prolonged hospitalization, and months—or even years—of recovery.
Construction Workers Face Unique Electrical Risks
Construction workers are often required to operate near temporary power systems, exposed wiring, or active utility lines. Even experienced workers can be injured if:
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Equipment is defective
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Electrical systems are improperly installed
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Safety procedures are not followed
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Protective barriers are missing
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Site planning fails to account for fire hazards
Electrical explosions typically trigger detailed investigations because responsibility may extend beyond the injured worker’s direct employer.
Workers’ Compensation and Your Legal Rights in Texas
If you are injured on a construction site in Texas, your first source of recovery may be workers’ compensation—if your employer carries coverage.
Workers’ compensation may provide:
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Payment for medical treatment
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A portion of lost wages
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Rehabilitation benefits
However, Texas does not require all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer is a “non-subscriber,” you may have the right to file a direct injury claim instead.
Understanding whether your employer has coverage is a critical first step.
See Also:
Do I Need a Worker’s Comp Attorney?
Can Other Parties Be Responsible?
Construction explosions often involve multiple contractors and equipment providers. In some cases, a third party may share responsibility, such as:
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A subcontractor that installed electrical systems improperly
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A manufacturer that produced a defective transformer
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A property owner that failed to address known hazards
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A maintenance company that failed to inspect equipment
When a third party contributes to the accident, an injured worker may be able to pursue compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
That additional recovery can be significant in cases involving severe burns or permanent injuries.
What to Do After a Construction Explosion
If you are injured in a workplace explosion:
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Seek emergency medical treatment immediately
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Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible
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Ensure the incident is documented
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Keep all medical records and wage documentation
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Do not sign settlement paperwork or give recorded statements without understanding your rights
Electrical and burn injuries can worsen in the hours or days after an incident. Prompt medical care protects both your health and your legal claim.
Injured in a Construction Explosion? Call Shaw.
Burn and explosion injuries can lead to permanent scarring, nerve damage, lost income, and long-term disability. If you were injured in a construction-related explosion, you may be entitled to compensation for:
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Emergency medical treatment and burn care
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Surgery and long-term rehabilitation
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Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
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Pain, suffering, and permanent disfigurement
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Long-term disability
We’ll help you find out for free.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to speak with an experienced workplace injury lawyer in San Antonio. There are no fees, no obligations, and no pressure—just clear legal guidance while you focus on recovery.
We look forward to serving you.