MARCH 27, 2015
EAST VILLAGE, NEW YORK
Inspectors from the local utility company had left the
building at 121 2nd Ave. not an hour before, having conducted an inspection
of the building’s gas upgrade — that the building failed – mainly a violation
related to the spacing required for the new gas meter for the larger service. It is possible that the contractor broke some
gas piping that released the gas and caused the explosion. We will see what the investigation shows.
A whiff of gas, then a massive explosion tore through the
afternoon, spraying hot ash and glass onto the Second Avenue pavement and
sending pedestrians into a sprint — first away from the cloud of dust and
smoke, then toward it, looking for survivors.
At least 19 were injured, four critically, in the
explosion and subsequent seven-alarm fire, the New York Times
reported. City officials said the blast appears to have been caused
by plumbing and gas work being done inside 121 2nd Ave., which housed the
restaurant Sushi Park and several residential apartments.
From oilfields to natural gas to refineries to industrial
processes we see on a daily basis that accidents happen due to lack of maintenance
or due to improper maintenance or due to improper repairs. When a plumber or other contractor is brought
in to upgrade a service, he is not familiar with what the existing installation
looks like and it is common to damage the existing installation, causing leaks,
fires or explosions.
Many people have
died or injured that way.
The deadly Harlem gas explosion occurred last year has been
attributed to improper installation of new pipe. The recent explosions in New Jersey have also
been attributed to pipe ruptures by contractors during upgrade or new
installation or maintenance work.
So, it is important to check the credentials of the contractor or engineer who is doing the work. We know that they are suppose to be professionals and that they are suppose to know what they are doing, but do not count on that at all times. Many of these people use unqualified personel to cut costs or increase their profits. Ask questions and probe things and ask for references and qualifications and double and triple check the safety procedures they are suppose to follow. It is better to be safe than sorry.
