High Line Park Explosion Injures Two Construction Workers
Last Friday, two construction workers were seriously injured when a gas tank exploded underneath High Line Park in the Meatpacking District. Just a few hours later, however, it was business as usual in the area as businesses remained open and citizens filled the park.
According to the NY Daily News, the workers were part of a crew removing a 6,000 pound gas tank from a former gas station. The explosion occurred at about 10:25 a.m. on the corner of W. 14th St. and 10th Ave.
Though there’s no official word on what caused the accident, one source said the workers may have drilled into an old gasoline line. Both workers were sent to Bellevue Hospital for their injuries, but there were no updates on their conditions.
The area surrounding High Line Park is a chic shopping and arts district. Those who work and play here seemed nonchalant about the explosion.
“I heard ‘gas line’, put my cigarette out, and came in to work,” said one vendor.
But immediately following the accident, the area was evacuated as officials ensured it was safe. Hours after the explosion, officials from the Department of Buildings determined there were “no issues of concern,” in the park or surrounding areas, according to DNAinfo.com.
Though no one aside from the two construction workers were injured, this story highlights just how a construction accident can affect those who aren’t even working on the site.
“It sounded like a bomb. It was really, really loud,” said one cart vendor who was parked directly above the explosion. “There was this blue gas flame coming up…dust rose as high as that building.”
Had the explosion been stronger or had the surrounding structures been weaker, the aftermath of the accident could have been much more severe. In other words, you don’t have to be a construction worker to be injured on or near a construction site.
Construction accidents in the city are common. And in a crowded, metropolitan area like this, the tendency for multiple people to be injured is quite great. This is part of the reason construction companies have so many rules and safety regulations to adhere to—to prevent such accidents from occurring.
Accidents do happen, however, and when they do, the chance for injury always exists. If you’ve been hurt in a construction accident, whether as a worker or a pedestrian, the attorneys with Omrani & Taub may be able to help.
You could be entitled to compensation for your injuries and your pain and suffering. Contact us today to discuss the details of your case and your rights as an injured party.
