Texas Accident & Injury News
Workplace fires and explosions can cause debilitating long-term health issues for employees.
Free-Standing Fuel Tank Explodes, Kills 39-Year-Old Camp Stanley Employee
According to a KSAT News report, an employee was killed in an explosion at Camp Stanley in Beorne today.
A U.S. Army Joint Munitions Command spokesperson reported that the accident happened at around 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 14th, at the ammunition facility in Camp Stanley off of Ralph Fair Road in Beorne. A free-standing fuel tank exploded, severely injuring a 39-year-old male employee. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died. It wasn’t clear if the employee was a civilian or military member–identification is pending next-of-kin notification. The report also stated that the incident is under control and that there are no current threats to the public or employees.
“We deeply regret the loss of life that occurred today,” the spokesperson said. “The incident is currently under investigation. The safety of employees and the community is important, and we will take steps to ensure an incident like this is prevented in the future.”
Did You Know?
Work-related fires and explosions cause around 5,000 burn injuries per year in the United States.
Explosion and Fire Injuries at Work: What Texas Employees Should Know
Explosions and fires in the workplace are rare, but they cause devastating damage and loss of life when they happen.
Some industries are more likely to face explosion and fire hazards, such as:
- Mining,
- Construction,
- Chemical Plants,
- Oil and Gas Industry,
- And Manufacturing.
However, an explosion or fire can happen at any workplace, and if you have suffered a severe injury or lost a loved one, you should talk to a lawyer to find out if you’re entitled to compensation ASAP.
Texas Employees Are at Greater Risk
Texas consistently ranks among the top states for workplace fatalities, and the reason is clear: it employs more workers in high-risk industries than most other states. Sectors such as oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, and transportation and warehousing are major drivers of the Texas economy—but they also come with significant safety risks.
These industries face a heightened risk of fires and explosions due to the nature of their operations. These environments often involve:
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Flammable or combustible materials
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Heat-producing tools and machinery
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Pressurized systems and enclosed workspaces
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Hazardous chemical processes
These conditions create a perfect storm. A single spark from welding equipment, an undetected chemical reaction, or a buildup of combustible dust can quickly escalate into a devastating fire or explosion.
In high-risk work environments, even minor equipment failures or lapses in safety protocols can result in serious injury or loss of life. That’s why comprehensive training, routine maintenance, and strict adherence to safety standards are critical—not just for compliance, but for protecting workers from avoidable tragedies.
Who Is Responsible for Workplace Explosion and Fire Injuries?
Negligence is often involved in workplace fires and explosions.
Employers are responsible for complying with all relevant regulations, maintaining a safe work environment, and properly training employees in safety protocols. However, employers are not the only party that could potentially be responsible for a workplace explosion.
Other potentially liable parties can include:
- Property Owners,
- General Contractors,
- Third-Party Contractors,
- Manufacturers (Equipment/Material),
- And Others.
See Also:
Do I Need a Workers’ Comp Attorney?
Injured or Lost a Loved One to a Workplace Explosion in Texas? Call Shaw!
If you were severely hurt or lost a loved one to a workplace explosion anywhere in Texas, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Medical Bills,
- Disfigurement,
- Disability,
- Loss of Earning Capacity,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- Burial Expenses,
- Funeral Expenses,
- Loss of Consortium,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced work injury lawyer in Texas. There are no fees or obligations attached–just the expert legal advice you need.
Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio and across Texas for over 32 years because we put our clients first. We look forward to serving you.
²Workplace-related burns (National Library of Medicine)