Sunday, April 5, 2015

PROPANE TORCH INSIDE A CAR TRUCK EXPLODES IN HICKORY, NORTH CAROLINA




APRIL 5, 2015

HICKORY, N.C. 

A propane torch exploded in a Hickory man’s car Saturday while he and a friend were inside.
Andrew Hendrick said the propane torch was in his trunk for plumbing work when it exploded on Catawba Valley Boulevard, according to Channel 9’s news partner, Hickory Daily Record.

Hendrick said he and his friend were able to get out of the Pontiac Grand Prix safely, but it was destroyed.

Hickory fire officials are now investigating.   
  
Source: http://www.wsoctv.com
 
Propane is an extremely flammable gas that must be handled with absolute care. It is a heavy gas and can accumulate in low lying areas such as basements and floors, resulting in an explosion. Even when contained in cylinders, propane gas can build up pressure when exposed to extreme heat and can rupture the tank and explode.

You must store the propane torch in a cool place.  When you are not using it, do not expose it to radiant heat or any other source of heat, including sparks.  The gas inside the propane tank may expand and ultimately cause an explosion.  Or, there was a propane leak that caused the explosion.   



Although propane is stable when exposed to air or moisture, you must avoid using propane near sparks, open flames or even a static charge.