Cheat Lake Boat Explosion Injures Seven
A recent boat explosion that occurred on Cheat Lake in West Virginia left seven people injured.
According to a spokesman for the West Virginia Division of Natura Resources, the explosion occurred when the operator attempted to start the engine just after the boat refueled at the Edgewater Marina.
Eight people were onboard at the time of the explosion.
The seven people injured in the explosion were taken to a local hospital. Two were later flown to Pittsburgh’s burn treatment center.
The DNR is investigating the incident.
Explosion and Blast Injuries are Devastating
Injuries caused by a blast or explosion are some of the most devastating and long-lasting.
According to the CDC, “blast lung” is a common issue following proximity to an explosion. It is caused by the HE over-pressurization wave. It is consideredthe most common cause of death among those who survive an initial explosion. Anyone involved in an explosion is at risk for blast lung for at least 48 hours after the incident.
CDC data shows that up to 10 percent of all people who survive a blast explosion suffer injuries. Many are blinded by eye perforations from projectiles. Injuries range from moderate to severe and include swelling, contusion, lacerations, eye pain, and foreign body sensation.
Abdominal injuries are also common. Those nearby a blast incident could suffer immediate bowel perforation, hemorrhaging solid organ lacerations, and testicular rupture. Anyone experiencing abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, hematemesis, rectal pain, tenesmus, testicular pain, or unexplained hypovolemia after an explosion is at risk.
Additionally, brain injuries can be caused by projectiles from the explosion or indirectly. Blast waves put anyone in the area of an explosion at risk for a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
And of course, anyone near an explosion has a high risk for an ear injury. Most people near an explosion present significant auditory symptoms at the time of their initial medical evaluation. Anyoneexposed to a blast should be evaluated for the following:
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus
- Vertigo
- Otalgia
- TM rupture
- Bleeding from the external canal
- Mucopurulent otorrhea
Legal Action Might Be an Option for Anyone Injured in an Explosion.
If you or a loved one has been affected by an explosion, we can help. Blast injuries are often devastating and affect you for the rest of your life.
For more information or to discuss your case, contact Heavens Law at 888.897.5377 to schedule a free consultation.
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/masstrauma/preparedness/primer.pdf
