A woman was injured last week after authorities believe she tried to light a cigarette while driving a Chrysler Pacifica that was hauling a propane cylinder that leaked without her knowledge, causing a massive explosion. The explosion was so powerful that it blew off the Pacifica’s metal roof and all the doors and windows, throwing some parts more than 100 feet away from the truck and into the yards of nearby homes. Miraculously, the driver was okay.
The explosion occurred at 7:30 a.m. on April 9 in Burke, Virginia. Nearby residents said that the explosion shook their houses so violently that pictures on the wall fell off. How could this happen? According to NBC4 Washington, “Investigators believe she may have had her windows rolled up that morning, when temperatures were in the 30s, so the leak would have filled the car with gasoline.” We’ve reported on similar incidents in the past where the driver was able to walk away, but for the love of God, open the windows when you’re hauling propane tanks in an enclosed vehicle — or, maybe, don’t smoke at all when you’re carrying something like that in your vehicle.
Read more: 5 bad driving habits that are sure to annoy others on the road
Propane is a common fuel, but it is highly volatile
Alan Caramella, a homeowner near the site of the incident, told NBC4 that he saw the driver sitting on the curb in front of his home after the explosion. “A woman was comforting her. She was just shaking uncontrollably. She had burns on her arms. You know, like a deep, red sunburn.” Police said her injuries were not life-threatening.
The circumstances surrounding this explosion are not entirely clear beyond what has been discussed, so the clear cause of the propane leak is currently unknown, although local police have said the explosion appears to be an accident, but they have assigned a major crimes detective to the case.
Propane is a very widely used fuel source, used in grills and fireplaces alike, but it is very flammable. AmeriGas, a popular propane supplier, recommends that users never store filled propane cylinders in hot cars and instead place them in a well-ventilated area of ​​the vehicle. It also recommends transporting cylinders in a safe upright position and, if necessary, sealing cylinders with stoppers even when empty.
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