Explosions: In the Wrong Place at the Worst Time

In cities and towns across America, mobile businesses have a huge impact on day-to-day life. In smaller towns, roadside vendors and temporary kiosks on the town square for holidays and other events contribute meaningful tax dollars to a tight budget. In larger cities, food trucks and food stands provide many of the same conveniences of fast food restaurants without the high overhead costs, resulting in cheaper prices and easier accessibility for consumers.

Despite these positives, there are negatives that come along with these types of businesses. Oftentimes city, county, and state officials have less direct jurisdiction over them, and the owners are not always diligent about complying with the same rules with which other shops and restaurants must comply. Many of these rules, such as food safety rules, are in place to protect us from getting sick or killed.

A terrible tragedy in Philadelphia has drawn attention to another type of safety rule that can be neglected by these itinerant businesses. There is no guarantee that even basic safety protocols are being followed in regards to flammable and explosive materials. In Philly, a food truck exploded, injuring thirteen people, after a propane tank ignited inside the tight confines of the vehicle.

Because of terrible accidents like this, it is important that we all do our part. Before you give your money to businesses like food trucks, be sure you:

• Check to make sure there are current food handler and county or city health inspections posted
• Pay attention to whether or not the staff are wearing gloves when they handle food
• Keep an eye out for whether it looks like the food is stored in properly refrigerated areas
• Report any unsafe work practices you see to the proper authorities

Despite our best attempts to keep safe, sometimes we will be injured due to someone else’s negligence. Some of those injured in Philly weren’t even making purchases at the food truck; they were simply at the wrong place at the worst time. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, it can be difficult to sort out who is liable and who was negligent. Please contact an attorney to help you obtain all the necessary information to hold the negligent accountable.